Durban police have warned the public to be on high alert for fraud scams which are being committed in the city and surrounding areas.
Police are investigating a number of fraud cases in which criminals approached their victims while they were withdrawing money at ATMs. They interrupt their victims, confuse them and then swap the bank card. Before the ATM user is aware, the fraudster quickly visits another ATM to withdraw the victim’s cash.
Another modus operandi in use by fraudsters is to place calls in which they pose as supposed cellular service network providers. They inform the call recipient that someone is trying to do a SIM swap with their card and that they should put their phone off immediately and then switch it on again in a few minutes. When they switch their phone on again, a cash withdrawal from their bank account is completed by the criminal.
Police suggest that if members of the public receive any calls from their service provider, they should visit a reputable service provider’s shop and enquire if there is any problem which requires your attention.
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Another common fraud which the public remain alert for, is scamsters who prey on those who want to purchase items via internet or print advertisements. When the victim calls the seller to follow up, they are given banking details to deposit the money first. As soon as the money has been deposited, the seller’s cellphone will be switched off or disconnected and they cannot be reached.
Police urge the public to pass on the information about anyone involved in these types of scams to their local police station or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111.
Captain Carmen Rhynes from SAPS communications said: “ Please be alert and cautious when dealing with phone calls from strangers, giving out your personal details or following their instructions. It is important to keep your personal information private. Do not share this with anyone. Tell your family and friends about these scams – the more we talk about it, the more people will know about it and be guarded, and the less crime will take place.”
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