Isipingo SAPS warns of cyber scams

WITH about 65 cases of scamming opened at the Isipingo police station this year, police are urging people to remain vigilant and report suspected scams.

Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Jacobs warns community members about the increase in reported cases of fraud and complainants scammed out of hard-earned money, deposits paid for holidays not materialised, vehicles purchased without prior inspection, huge returns on investments promised that proved false or purchasing gold jewellery at cost price which proved to be fake.

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Communication officer of SAPS Isipingo, Warrant Officer Pam Kisten, said the top three prevalent trends in the cases opened are Facebook fraud where scammers create false advertisements of items such as laptops and cellphones, where unsuspecting buyers send money via EFT and then the scammer becomes untraceable due to fake accounts.

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“The second most common is money transfer scams from apparent big retail stores. Money is transferred and the person is given a one time pin, but somehow the money is missing when a withdrawal is attempted. The third is false bank callers. The scammers either call or message and identify themselves as employees from certain banks. They then convince people to press certain buttons on their device with their password. Eventually, large sums of money are transferred to unknown locations which become difficult to trace,” she said.

Kisten said the first, and most important step to take should a person suspect someone has access to their account, is to put an immediate block on it.

“Then, head to your bank and obtain necessary statements showing the fraudulent transfers. There will be a withdrawal location available on the bank statement. Proceed to the nearest police station and open a case. Then contact the bank and give them that case number for their internal investigation,” she said.

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Kisten provided the following warning signs to look out for; the product is advertised at an unbelievably reduced price and/ or the other party insists on immediate payment.

She also said people can protect themselves from scams by checking if the website has a refund or returns policy, finding out exactly who they are dealing with and avoid any arrangements with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer, international funds transfer or electronic currency such as Bitcoin.

Kisten added that in the case of any other scams, people should open a case at their local police station and follow-up with the investigation.

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