SAPS warn about online scams this festive season

The Dawn Park SAPS has sounded the alarm on the rising threat of online scams in the community as the festive season approaches.

With holiday shopping and digital banking on the rise, scammers are becoming more sophisticated, targeting unsuspecting residents with increasingly clever tactics.

According to Sergeant Nkemeleng Mabula, the station spokesperson, fraudsters exploit the festive rush, knowing that people are eager to buy gifts, clothes and even vehicles online.
“Many residents are unaware of the risks of online transactions. We’ve seen people lose thousands of rand simply because they shared their banking details or fell for a scam message.”

To help residents stay safe, the Dawn Park SAPS has a series of precautions:
• Keep your banking credentials confidential: Never share passwords, usernames and banking PINs with anyone, even if they claim to be from your bank;

• Never share OTPs or PINs: Scammers often call or message, pretending to verify transactions, asking for OTPs or PINs. Providing these details can give them direct access to your accounts;

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• Be cautious of suspicious calls, messages and emails: Treat any unsolicited request for personal or financial information with scepticism. Always verify the source before responding;

• Verify online sellers before making purchases: Whether it’s clothes, electronics or vehicles, ensure the seller is legitimate. Avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Visit your bank branch if unsure: When in doubt, handle transactions in person rather than relying solely on digital communication.

The Dawn Park SAPS stresses that online safety is a shared responsibility and encourages the community to look out for one another and report suspicious activity. Doing so could prevent others from becoming victims and help the SAOS track and prosecute scammers.
Residents should stay informed and vigilant, and educate family and friends, particularly the elderly, who are often the most vulnerable targets.

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