Parkview police shares safety tips to prevent falling victim to scams and fraud
Locals in Parkview and surroundings are urged not to open any suspicious links, emails, and text messages to avoid being scammed.
Parkview Police Station has noticed an increase in fraud cases reported in the policing precinct.
According to the station’s spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, in most cases reported the victim purchased goods online from unknown companies or individuals, they make a transfer of a large amount of money without verifying the authenticity of the business.
The items being ordered are not delivered or received and the complainant later realises that they have been scammed.
She explains that phishing and fraud scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers, and credit card details 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 that is designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate, to obtain, verify sometimes update contact details or other sensitive financial information. “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.”
Here are some safety awareness guides the station issued so you can guard against fraud and scams:
- Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which requests 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 password 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.
- Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
Important numbers to remember: Crime Stop 08600 10111; Crime line SMS 32211.
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