![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2016/05/RS21AMYscam3_41508.jpg)
The Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) has warned consumers about a number of fraudulent emails on false SAFPS letterheads, being circulated, offering victims of internet fraud and scams a reimbursement.
One such letter claims to reimburse victims with R5 million after the consumers are requested to submit their full name, address, age, occupation and mobile numbers to a contact email.
![Emails that are sent from free web mail services are most likely scams. Photo supplied.](https://randburgsun.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2016/05/RS21AMYscam2_60726-800x600.jpg)
Unsuspecting consumers often reply and this provides the scammers with the opportunity to obtain more personal information for identity fraud and also convinces the customer to send money to cover fees, either for postage, bank exchange charges or other administrative costs to process the money.
![Example of a fraudulent letter that asks for personal information for a reimbursement. Photo supplied.](https://randburgsun.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2016/05/RS21AMYscam1_55854-800x600.jpg)
“Consumers place their trust in institutions such as the SAFPS to guard against identity theft and fraud and as such, it is imperative that consumers are made aware that these emails do not come from legitimate organisations such as the SAFPS,” said Manie van Schalkwyk, executive director of the SAFPS.
Some indications that an email letter is a scam include:
- Grammatical errors, poor spelling and highly improbable cover stories
- The amounts offered usually amount to millions
- The email is from a free web mail service.
Consumers are also reminded never to click on any links embedded in the e-mail or letter, as this may result in a code being released onto the device, which could contain spyware or viruses. The safest option is to delete the e-mail and any attachments from your e-mail account and not to make any contact with the parties involved.
Neither the SAFPS nor any other government departments or banks would request your personal details via a free web mail service or send you unsolicited messages. According to SAFPS, they will never offer consumers money or refunds. Any communication from the SAFPS will relate to a specific case and will be sent from a safps.org.za email address.
The SAFPS urges consumers, who suspect identity theft or fraud, to report it to the SAFPS. The benefit of reporting it to the SAFPS is that member organisations including banks, clothing and furniture retailers, have access to the SAFPS data base and any identity theft or fraud will be flagged and can be prevented.
“If you suspect that you are at risk of identity theft or fraud, please contact the SAFPS via its website at www.safps.org.za or call centre at 011 867 2234 or SMS the words “protectid” to 43366,” added van Schalkwyk.