Beware of fraudsters in Garsfontein
Noxolo Sibiya
Different methods of fraud have been making rounds in the Garsfontein area and police are warning residents to be alert.
Garsfontein police have warned residents of methods of fraud doing the rounds in the area.
The station’s detective commander Lieutenant Colonel Kgokong Mabelane said there were various cases of fraud that were increasingly being investigated lately.
Mabelane gave the following scenarios and tips on how not to fall prey to lurking tricksters and being fooled out of your money.
Accepting assistance from strangers at ATMs
“This is the favourite way for criminals to lay hands on your bank card by using different swapping methods,” he said.
“Avoid help from strangers and preferably use ATMs inside shopping malls or where there are security guards on duty.”
Financial institutions
Don’t pay money to any financial institutions in order to secure any loans. Some of these institutions are fake and cannot be verified per telephone.
Some tricksters will also phone banking clients claiming to be investigators at the bank fraud division.
They then tell the unsuspecting client that “fraudulent” amounts will be deducted from their account but will be returned if the account holder can provide their PIN codes.
“Money then disappears out of the account. Bank officials will never ask for your PIN telephonically,” he said.
Online
Don’t give money to people on dating sites. Also refrain from sending nude photos to dating sites as these photos are often used to blackmail the sender.
Be very cautious when buying pets online. Especially if the “seller” demands money for transport, injections, safety crates.
“Don’t trust any SMSes stating that you have won something and need to make any payment into a bank account,” Mabelane said.
“If you didn’t enter into any competition, you most likely didn’t win anything but could actually lose money if you entertain these scams.”
Phone calls
Never give personal details like your address, ID number or banking details to call centre agents. These “agents” are not always legitimate. Verify as thoroughly as possible.
Be careful not to pay money to any investment companies without first checking their legitimacy or existence.
Mabelane said many scammers make use of cellphone SIM cards that were not registered and could therefore not easily be traced by the police.
“Remember, if any deal seems to be too good to be true, it most likely is.”
Be safe and protect your money by being vigilant, responsible and by using good sense.
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