The Randfontein SAPS has warned people not to fall victim to online scams that aim to solicit money from them.
This comes from Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Appel Ernst who urges people to be aware of online fraud.
Phishing and Fraud Scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit card details.
This is done by calling, sending emails or cellphone messages that look like they come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies.
Typically, these emails or cellphone messages request that users click on a link in the email, which will direct users to a spoofed website.
This is a kind of website designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate in order to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.
According to Ernst, these emails and messages also contain a telephone number and contact person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money.
“Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details.
“You must always keep in mind that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.
“Also, never provide your online identity, password or pin to anyone and never write them down or share them,” says Ernst.
She also urges people to refrain from saving their internet banking password on their desktop as this can be easily accessible.
She advises people to never to leave their computers unattended after they have entered their internet banking password.
“Always log off or sign off at the end of a session and avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafes’ or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
“This will save you the problems of having people hacking into your accounts to make transactions that you know nothing about,” says Ernst.
