Linden police is warning the public not to fall into the trap of various scams. Linden police communication officer Sergeant Takalani Sibiya explained that it is important to be aware of the telltale sign of the scams to avoid falling victim and scammers take advantage of you.
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She shared five popular scams that the Linden police have received numerous reports about:
- Selling goods online
Scammers mostly target people who are selling their valuables online. They say they are unavailable to pick up the goods and that they will have to pay via an electric transfer. Once the goods are sent, they reverse the transaction claiming their money back and keeping the goods. Residents should try their best to meet in a safer and secure environment and asked to be paid in cash.
- Banking account information message
Scammers send fake message via email or messages claiming to be from the bank and that your account number and the other information has been changed. People end up paying more money to the scammers temporarily. If residents receive this message, they should contact their bank or rather not entertain the message.
- Phone blocking
This is related to other schemes where people hand over account details and other information to the scammers. They are then able to block cellphones. When they are withdrawing money from the account, it cannot be seen happening. The necessary steps to stop it with the bank cannot be taken. Residents are advised not to give out their phone details.
- Fake loans
Residents falls for this scam out of desperation. They apply for loans at fake companies. The companies approve loans regardless of the amount. They ask for an initiation fee to receive a loan. The person will pay the initiation fee, but no money will be sent.
- Internet blackmail
The scammers hack the phone and use inappropriate images to threaten the victims that they will send these images to families or on socials if money is not paid. Residents are advised to never sent provocative images of themselves to other online users.
Linden police urge the community to be aware and not to fall into a scam of a fraud case.
“Scammers sound very real, and they seem to be helpful and understanding; they know a lot of information about you and your bank details. If you receive this kind of call, hang up and call your bank directly, never redial. Never open your banking app while on a call. Don’t click any link or read a one-time pin.”
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