Police warn against scams in the North West

South African Police Service (SAPS) management in the North West is perturbed by escalating fraud cases.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, says despite regular warnings and tips by the police and financial institutions, it is apparent that fraudsters continue to defraud unsuspecting members of the community. It is vital that caution is exercised when one conducts transactions with companies or individuals.

“Bank account holders received calls from a person claiming to be a bank employee responsible for the Fraud Department. The caller requested the account holders to urgently log on to their bank App in order to stop fraudulent transactions.  Consequent to accessing the details, the suspect withdrew monies from the victim’s accounts.”

Mokgwabone goes on to say one victim received a message that he was a beneficiary of the estate of a relative who passed away in a foreign country.  The victim was persuaded to pay a certain amount for taxes and clearance of the inheritance. Since then, nothing was heard from the suspect.

“In some instances, potential car buyers responded to incredibly below the market vehicles sales advertisements on WhatsApp, Facebook and other online platforms. Moreover, the vehicles’ pictures would be shared to entice clients. The alleged fraudsters would further inform potential buyers that the vehicle will be auctioned unless they secure it with a deposit. The fraudster/s would also share fraudulent documents to convince the potential buyers that the deal is legitimate and to pay the balance and delivery fees. However, no vehicle will be delivered.”

Members of the community are requested to apply to the following safety tips:

• Should unsuspecting clients receive suspicious calls, they should hang up immediately if they feel pressured and call their banks fraud lines.
• A bank employee will never ask you to give them a One Time Pin (OTP). Never give a person your OTP.
• They should at no time supply the requested information to the caller.
• If you do not know a “family member” who lives in another country, then chances are that there is no person who has left an inheritance for you. Do not pay any money for taxes or clearance.
• Do not pay for a car if you have not viewed it physically. Cars due for auction will be available for viewing at a given physical address and genuine Auctioneers will never refuse you access to view the vehicle during business hours.
• Avoid replying to letters / emails / SMSs that fraudsters send to you.
• Never disclose your ID, Password or Pin to anyone.
• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
• Be careful of something that looks too good to be true, it usually is.