When working or browsing online, the chance of falling victim to scams and fraud continues to escalate.
The SAPS is responsible for the policing and investigation of cybercrimes, and the following safety hints can be practiced by members of the public as preventative measures.
The following red flags can be scrutinised, suggests Col. Cherelle Ehlers of the police’s Northern Cape Media Centre:
- jobs offering quick and easy money;
- jobs appearing to be from a reputable, familiar company – yet with no job poster or generic email or website domain being displayed (always validate the details by referring to the company’s website to verify the advertised vacancies);
- jobs that say “no catch” or “not a scam”;
- jobs that offer you a position without an interview, a background check or references;
- applicants being asked for money for “a processing fee” to secure an interview;
- the advertisement displaying many spelling and grammatical errors; or
- the employer contacting the prospective applicant by phone, but there is no way to call them back as there is no number available.
If an advertisement or offer seems too good to be true; if you feel uncomfortable with some of the information that is being requested; or in the case of something just does not seeming right; proceed with extreme caution, warns Ehlers.
