Woman duped of almost R80 000 after failing victim to online fraud.
Linden police caution the public to be wary of people who offer them high pay-offs through quick and easy online trading hubs. The station’s spokesperson, Constable Takalani Sibiya, said they are currently investigating a case where a woman had lost R78 000 after being scammed by someone she met online.
According to Sibiya, the complainant alleged that she was introduced to an automated trade hub which was explained to her as investment saving business by someone she met on social media. “After handing over her account details she made the first deposit via electronic transfer in the amount of R3 000 and shortly afterwards was sent a website link that would allow her to the growth of her money. A few days later the made another deposit of R75 000.”
Some time after that deposit, the complainant wanted to withdraw the interest she believed she had made but was told that there was an amount of money she would need to pay to release the money back into her account. Sibiya added, “She paid this amount but failed to withdraw her money. When she called the lady that was helping her she was told to deposit another amount and that is when she realised she was being scammed.” Unfortunately, the complainant could not access her deposits nor the interest she believed to have accumulated and proceeded to report the matter.
Sibiya cautioned the public against such scams and believing they can make large sums of money fast through such activities.
She also provided the following fraud safety tips to mitigate the risk of becoming a victim:
- Never give your account number and details to anyone you do not know.
- Always log out of your banking websites and applications when you are done.
- Avoid doing internet banking for a deposit of a large amount of money.
- Avoid using internet banking at public internet cafés or any computer that can be accessed by many people.
- Always put a sensible transaction limit on your account.
- Try to change your pin and passwords frequently.
- Do not believe promises of easy money.
