Safety tips to avoid fraud and scams
Colonel H Xaba gives advice on how to avoid fraud and scams
People lose a lot of money due to scams and fraud every day, but that can be avoided by following the tips provided by Colonel H Xaba of the Roodepoort Police.
Xaba explained that the practice of sending emails and cellphone messages purporting to be from reputable companies in order to induce individuals to reveal personal information is fraudulent activity and should be avoided.
“Typically these messages request users to click on a link in the message. These links will direct users to a spoofed website – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate. The messages also often contain a telephone number and contact person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money,” said Xaba.
Xaba gave the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of these scams:
– Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.
– Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them.
– Do not save your internet banking on your desktop.
– Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password.
– Always log off or sign off at the end of a session.
– Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
– Change your PIN and passwords frequently.
– Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
– Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
– If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Xaba concluded by saying, “Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.”
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