The police in the Humansdorp SAP Cluster have issued a warning of fraudulent online and digital scams.
They request the public to be more vigilant when doing electronic transactions and offer safety tips.
Cases reported to the SAP relate especially to goods and services advertised on line, Warrant Officer Gerda Swart says.
In most cases perpetrators lured victims into paying huge amounts of cash through bank transfers or other payment methods for goods or services
“Victims also purchase products that are advertised through the Internet or social media. These items are never delivered and are not worth buying,” Swart says.
Since scams can cost people a lot of money and can cause a great deal of distress, the SAP warns the public of the following:
* Phishing and fraud scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information, such as identity numbers, credit card details and passwords by sending e-mails, cellphone messages or telephone calls that look like they come from trusted sources, such as a banking institution or legitimate companies;
*These e-mails or cellphone messages ask users to click on a link in the e-mail or sms, which will direct users to a hoax website, to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.
* Some e-mails and messages also contain a contact number and person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money.
When anyone gets emails like these, the SAP offer the following safety advice:
* Never respond to e-mails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal information;
* Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them;
* Always log off or sign off at the end of an online banking session;
*Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your banking details.
* Do not save your Internet banking password on your computer;
* Change your PIN and passwords frequently; and
* Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it usually is.”
(edited)
St Francis Chronicle 