Tips to help you avoid falling victim to fraudsters
There have been many common scams used to trick and manipulate innocent victims who sadly to say eventually fall prey to these scammers.
As previously made aware of public knowledge, citizens have been warned on how to avoid falling victim to online fraud. It is therefore a need to re-inform the community members that
many South African citizens are being scammed on a daily basis by fraudsters using various scams, whether it be online, telephonically and or even in person at times.
There have been many common scams used to trick and manipulate innocent victims who sadly to say eventually fall prey to these scammers.
Eldorado Park SAPS, therefore, warns residents to avoid becoming a victim of these scams by being proactive and vigilant when it comes to the protection of their finances. Safety tips are availed to help residents know what to be on the lookout for and we also encourage all to implement these tips whenever they are confronted with the situation of a possible scam.
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*Guaranteed loans.
Numerous people have fallen victim to this scam. Fraudsters pry on the fact that victims are usually in dire need of cash, and therefore offer these “loans” and thereafter promising that the cash would immediately be deposited into your bank account, provided that you pay for your application taxes before you receive the loan amount.
*Do not send the money, especially if you haven’t verified whether they are in actual fact a legitimate financial institution. Secondly, if you haven’t applied for a loan, ask yourself, why would anyone be so eager to avail cash to you? Blacklisted welcome, this is their famous catchphrase, be alert, these are all a scam.
*Online Purchases.
Fraudsters usually request that money be paid upfront in order to ensure your shipment or delivery.
*Do not pay any money upfront, whether it be an online transfer, cash deposit, EFT, or money market transfer. Instead, ask to meet upfront ensuring that it is in a public place, and ensure that all documentary proof produced is legitimate and thoroughly investigated to your satisfaction before transferring or paying the money requested.
*Whatsapp friend or family member in trouble.
This scam has been the latest trend, whereby a friend or family member requests cash, claiming to be in urgent need thereof and promising to repay the amount borrowed from you.
*Never send a money transfer unless you have physically confirmed and verified from the recipient requesting the cash. The person in actual fact may have had their phones hacked and is not even aware of such a request on their behalf.
*Lottery and competition scams.
The fraudsters will usually request that a fee be paid in order to receive or collect your prize.
*Ignore it, it is not a real prize, especially if you did not enter any such competition.
*Phishing
This is the name given in a case whereby scammers request your personal details via email, including your bank account details, passwords, pin numbers, identity numbers, etc.
*Do not respond or reply, nor should you click any link provided. Always keep in mind that your banks don’t on any occasion request or require you to verify pins and passwords, ever.
*Guaranteed employment
Scammers send emails promising guaranteed employment provided that you pay a fee.
*Employers do not need any payments in order for you to get a job. Do not respond or pay any amounts requested. It is a scam.
Eldorado Park SAPS cannot emphasize how important it is for you to practice these safety tips, whether you want to apply for a loan, apply for employment, buy that vehicle with an amount that seems too good to be true, or even claiming a prize to a competition that you did not enter. Stay alert and avoid becoming a victim of these scammers.
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