Fraudulent scams on the rise
LINDEN – The Linden police are once again encouraging the public to not fall into the trap of various scams as they have been on the rise.
Constable Takalani Matumba, spokesperson for the Linden Police Station, has once again highlighted five popular scams that the police have received numerous reports about and urged community members to be vigilant.
Matumba said, “It is important to be aware of the tell-tale signs of these scams so that you can be suspicious and avoid falling victim to them before they take advantage of you.”
The scams include:
- Selling goods online
“Scammers target people who are selling their valuables online. What they will tell you is that they are unavailable to pick up your goods and that they will have to pay you your money via an electronic transfer. Once you have sent your goods to them, or they have been collected, the scammers reverse the transfer, claiming their money back and your goods.”
Sellers should try their best to meet in a safe and secure environment, and try to accept cash payment.
- Account information change message
“Scammers will send you a fake message either via email or SMS, claiming that they are your bank and that your account number and other information has been changed. If you fall victim to this, you will end up paying money into the scammer’s temporary account, and you will lose your money. If you receive messages like this, always be suspicious and query them with your bank.”
- Phone blocking
“This is related to other scams, where you hand over account details and other information to scammers. Scammers are able to block your phone via your network provider with this information. When they are withdrawing funds from your account, you cannot see this happening, so you cannot take the necessary steps to stop it with your bank.”
It is advised that if you find that your phone has been blocked from use, you should call your service provider immediately.
- Fake loans
“This scam works by people applying for loans at fake companies. The company will say that their loan has been approved, regardless of the amount, and that they will need the person to pay an initiation fee to receive the loan. The person will pay the fee, and no money will come to them.”
- Internet blackmail
“Some people will be in contact with others on social media who will request dirty images of them. The scammer will then be in possession of this image, telling the victim that they will send the images to their friends and family if money is not paid into their account.”
While online people are advised to never send provocative images of themselves to others, particularly if they do not know the person online. All fraud cases are urged to be reported to the police via the same channels as any other crimes.
Details: Linden Police Station 011 888 9299.
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