Don’t click and regret: Edenvale SAPS issues online scam warning
Fraudsters are targeting victims through fake social media ads, tricking them into paying for items that don’t exist. SAPS shares key tips to avoid falling prey to digital fraud.
Edenvale SAPS issued a warning to the community urging them to be cautious of online scams.
Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile, communications officer for Edenvale Police Station, explained that many of these scams involve perpetrators preying on their victims via online advertisements.
According to Mashile, there has been an increase in the number of reported fraud cases.
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“Investigation reveals that the majority of victims deposit a large sum of cash in the hopes of buying an advertised item that has been published on social media platforms.
“They later discover that the seller doesn’t exist.”
Mashile urged the community to refrain from online shopping if they cannot verify that the product exists.
He advised shoppers never to transfer or deposit funds before receiving the advertised item.
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How to prevent falling victim to scams and fraud.
• Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank, which request your personal details.
• Never provide anyone with your online ID, password or PIN; never write them down or share them.
• Do not save your internet banking password on your desktop.
• 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 publicly accessed computer.
• Change your PIN and passwords frequently.
• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
• Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
• Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
