Residents urged to be extra vigilant this festive season

Tsakani – Tsakani station commander Colonel Goodall Khumbulani Mbatha is appealing to the community to be extra careful and alert during this festive season.

He was speaking during the Gauteng Safer Festive Season Operation launch on Friday.

He said it is that time of the year when people are going to reap from their yearlong hardworking returns, either in a form of goods or cash.

“We are appealing to all stokvel groups to take safety precautions when sharing their cash.

“Should there be threats or foreseen dangers, alert the police to ensure proper and necessary arrangements are in place to prevent a possible crime,” he said.

The station further shared some of the scams residents must beware of:
• Avoid messages that request that users click on a link in the email or cellphone text which will direct users to a spoofed website – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate – to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.

• Do not give your identity numbers and credit card details to anyone over the phone.

• Do not fall for messages that inform you that ‘you have won’ if you know you did not enter any competition.

• Do not fall for people who sell goods on social platforms which you cannot trace.

• Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank that requests your personal details. Banks always warn clients that they will never ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.

• Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop.

• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by strangers. Make sure you properly log out at the end of the session.

• Change your PIN and passwords frequently and do not share with anyone.

• Put minimal transaction limits on your accounts.

• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.

• Never share credit card or cellphone banking details with anyone.

• Do not carry a lot of cash around, rather use your card to shop.