Avoid falling victim to scammers

The Parkview Police Station warns residents about an increase in fraud cases operating in the area.

According to a spokesperson for the Parkview Police Station Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the police have noticed an increase in fraud cases reported in the policing precinct between January and April.

“In most cases reported, the victim purchased goods online from an unknown company or individual and makes a transfer of a large amount of money without verifying the authenticity of the business,” said Sibeko.

The items are then not delivered or received and the complainant later realises that they have been scammed.

Sibeko explained 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 cell phone 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 – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate – to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.”

Sibeko said these emails and messages also contain a telephone number and contact person who people should call as they are promised that they could win large sums of money.

Sibeko offered the following tips to help protect residents from scams:

• Never respond to emails or cell phone messages appearing to be from your bank that 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 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 using internet banking in public areas such as cafes, or at a 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 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 or trust.

Details: Report crime to Crime Stop on 086 001 0111 or call Parkview Police Station on 011 067 6000.

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