SAPS fraud tips to avoid becoming a victim

The Brakpan SAPS is again experiencing a rise in fraud cases, despite numerous alerts and tips to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.

Fraud has become a nuisance in the country as a whole, with current statistics showing an increase of 32% in fraud incidents reported, compared to 2023, and a 62% increase in fraudulent listings, such as on social media marketplaces.
Banking fraud made up 45% of all fraud incidents in the last year.

The festive season is finally here, and everyone is ready for a well-deserved break, but you have to be careful, or you will give away all your hard-earned money to scammers, who take advantage of your relaxed mood during this time.

Scammers try new methods to trick you all the time, so be sure to know the signs to avoid becoming a victim.

These are:
• How they contact you. When someone contacts you first, you can never be certain that they are who they say they are. Remember that email addresses and caller ID can be fake.

• They use bait. Usually the bait is money. People don’t give away large amounts of money for free. If someone claims to have a prize, a shopping spree or an easy loan for you, chances are they are lying.

• They want personal information. A legit organisation will never ask for your personal information over email or the phone unprompted.

This includes your ID number, birthday, bank account number, address, full name and other personal information.
Only provide such information in-person or if you have requested the forms through your app or the official website.

• They ask you to pay them first. If they offer you something, a prize, employment, a product or service or debt relief, but you have to pay an upfront fee, you are being scammed. Never pay for something if it is not already in your possession and in working order or usable.

• They use scare tactics. If someone tells you that you have been hacked, threaten you with arrest, try to blackmail or extort you, or claim that a loved one is in danger and needs funds to survive, they are lying to you.

During the festive season, people are much more likely to get scammed. In order to prevent this from happening to you, avoid the following:

• Fake online stores. They will lure you in with ridiculously low prices, are easy to set up, and you can end up paying for goods that you’ll never receive.

Rather make all online purchases through well-known providers such as Takealot, Temu, Shein, Etsy, Wish or Amazon, and only if there are reviews on the product listing with photos attached.

• Fake adverts on social media. Fraudsters are masters at selling fake goods. Be careful of fake “holiday packages”. The current most common scam is people claiming to sell cars at massively discounted prices. If you don’t have the item in-hand, do not pay a cent for it.

• Pre-approved loan notice scams. Fraudsters are aware that most people are in desperate need of extra cash for holiday gifts, and are willing to prey on that desperation.

You will not be approved for a loan that you did not apply for, and it’s dangerous to apply for a loan through someone that is not a registered financial services provider, such as a bank.

To protect yourself from scammers:
• Stick to well-known websites.
• Look for red flags. Verify names, addresses and contact numbers.
• Look for a tracking record and trust your instincts.
• Guarantee payments and up-front payments are a major red flag.
• Do not reveal your personal information to anyone.

What to do when you think you are being scammed:
• Immediately call your bank to deactivate your digital banking profile, stop cards or block transactions.
• Do not entertain anyone claiming to call from your bank, insurance, medical aid or other financial services provider.

Physically visit a branch instead. SAPS is advising the public not to carry large amounts of cash, especially when purchasing goods from strangers.

“We further advise that you regularly check your bank statements to ensure there are no irregular activities on your account,” said Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS communications officer and Sector 1 manager.