Mtubatuba SAPS alert on how to avoid minor crime incidents

The Mtubatuba police wish to alert the public of avoidable minor criminal incidents.

Examples are:

1. When you send money to someone through a store, popularly known as cash send, do not use a stranger’s ID, but your own. Once you have sent the money and the transaction is done, do not show anyone your pin number.

2. Be careful not to invest in any pyramid investment schemes, because those are usually fraudulent. Investing money in a pyramid scheme is a crime in itself as such schemes are not registered.

ALSO READ: Fraud is rife in Mtubatuba

3. When withdrawing money from a bank or ATM, avoid asking just anyone for help. Also avoid withdrawing cash in the early hours of the morning or too late at night. When withdrawing money at an ATM, only your pin code is required.  Should you be asked for your ID number or cellphone number, cancel the transaction and request your card.

4. When withdrawing stokvel collections, request the bank to transfers that money into an account and avoid carrying cash. If desperate, go to a nearest police station and do the dividends there or ask for police to escort you from the bank.

5. Recently there’s been cases of teens standing outside supermarkets and clothing stores offering to help. They can’t be trusted, so ignore them. If you leave your belongings in their care while you shop, they are nowhere to be found when you return. They also offer you discounts, saying they have connections inside the store. Do not entertain this.

6. Remain vigilant of fake traditional healers who offer to help you grow your money. Many pensioners have fallen victim to these criminals.

7. Be careful of buying cars online and from printed advertising without having seen the actual car.

ALSO READ: Online fraud alert

8.There’s a group of people who touch you and scare you into thinking your money will turn into paper if you don’t give it to them to perform some magic. Don’t fall for this trick.

9. A recent trend is the hacking of a person’s cellphone number when they are on WhatsApp or Facebook. You will think you are speaking to a loved one, only to realise your number has been hacked and they start asking for money.

If you encounter any of these problems in Mtubatuba or St Lucia and you need help from the police station, phone the following numbers – Mtubatuba: 035 5506100 or 071 718 3332; St Lucia: 035 5901221.

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