The public must be aware of scams and fraud, said the police in the Northern Cape.
The police are urging the public to adhere and implement the following safety tips, said Lt Col. Sergio Kock of the SAPS Media Centre:
Phishing and fraud scams include deceitful emails and messages sent by criminals in which large sums of money or even great prizes are promised. Delete these messages immediately.
The public must always be on the look out for fraudsters and scamsters, warn the police.
Remember: if you did not enter any competition you cannot win these promised prizes.
- Be careful of investing or giving money to persons who claim they can make your money more. These criminals are especially targeting persons receiving retirement lump sum payouts and large amounts of insurance cash.
- Never respond to emails or cell phone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.
- Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them.
- Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop or cellphone.
- Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your Internet banking password.
- Always log off or sign off at the end of a session.
- Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
- Change your PIN and passwords frequently.
- Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
- If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Always be weary and extra careful when shopping online.
Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
