Police are warning the community to be extra vigilant as criminals
are using a new tactic to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Police spokesperson, Capt. Mali Govender, said that fraud
cases are a crime of concern as criminals are using another trend to defraud
innocent people of their hard-earned savings.
Govender explained that, in the cases that have been
reported thus far, up until today, the caller will identify himself as an
individual working in the bank’s Fraud Division. He states that a transaction
has taken place on the victim’s account. The suspect has all personal
particulars and profile of the victim, including details of bank accounts,
linked accounts, beneficiaries etc.
“The suspect then states that a transaction has appeared on
an account which appears suspicious and enquires from the victim if they have
approved a transaction for a large amount of cash from their account,
furnishing account details and when the victim replies in the negative, the
caller informs the victim that he will reverse the charge if the victim can go
onto their banking app,” Govender said.
“Once the victim has logged onto their banking app, the
suspect tells the victim to supply the One Time Password (OTP) that was sent
via SMS to their cell phone so that the transaction can be reversed. As soon as
the OTP is given to the suspect, the suspect starts to transact on the account,
increasing limits, adding beneficiaries, making payments and draining the
account,” she added.
“DO NOT RESPOND AND DO NOT SUPPLY THE OTP, this is when the
suspect has full control of your account,” Govender emphasised.
The community is urged to take heed of the following:
Do not respond to these calls. Cut the call immediately and
contact your bank on their tollfree numbers if you are uncertain. You can check
your account privately.
Do not give any OTP (One Time Password) over the phone to
any individual. Your bank will not ask you for your passwords or an OTP.
According to Govender, losses amounting to nearly R70 000
have been reported this morning (yesterday) from one victim alone.
“Should you be caught in a scam such as this, the bank will
not be able to assist you in recovering your loss, as you have furnished your
One Time Password (OTP) to the suspect and allowed permission to the suspect to
transact on your account.
“BE AWARE AND PREVENT BECOMING A VICTIM OF CRIME.”
Source: SAPS media statement
