Carletonville Police warn residents of ongoing bank scam calls
The scammers lure them with personal information and OTPs.
Local authorities have issued a serious warning to residents after a surge in scam calls from criminals pretending to be bank officials.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Wessel Prinsloo of the Carletonville Detectives, several residents have recently fallen victim to fraudsters claiming to work for their bank’s anti-fraud division.
These scammers appear convincing, as they already possess sensitive personal information like:
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Full names
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ID numbers
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Bank account details
Once the scammers gain the victim’s trust, they ask them to accept a cellphone pop-up or provide a one-time PIN (OTP) — which gives them full access to the victim’s bank account.
Don’t trust calls – Visit your bank in person
“Never follow instructions from anyone claiming to be from your bank over the phone,” Prinsloo warned.
“Rather go directly to your nearest branch and report it.”
Authorities encourage anyone who receives a suspicious call to:
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End the call immediately
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Contact their bank using official numbers
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Visit a local branch in person
