GALLERY: Linmeyer Domestic Watch meeting held
Topics of the day were cyber-crime, social media, SMS, and phone call and internet scams.
DOMESTIC workers and gardeners alike were once again professionally educated at the Linmeyer Domestic Watch meeting on October 17 by Lindsey Jago and Const Moeketsi Tshabalala.
Topics of the day were cyber-crime, social media, SMS, and phone call and internet scams.
The topic of working within a safe environment at home and being vigilant at all times were also discussed.
Domestic workers were encouraged to report cases that may seem suspicious to them, rather than waiting and being unsure about a potentially dangerous situation.
They were told to be made aware of strange movements in their neighbourhoods and outside of the houses where they work.
They were also told to create WhatsApp groups where they could communicate with one another, especially those who work in the same areas.
Often domestic workers are the first to be targeted when it comes to house break-ins and thus were told to also shy away from strangers and to not trust anyone that simply arrives at a home unannounced.
Should something suspicious happen in their street or neighbourhood, they need to report it to the police or local security company immediately.
They were warned to be especially vigilant during the upcoming festive season, and be aware that they’re movements may often be watched. Workers were warned to keep gates locked, to raise alarm at the first sign of trouble and to also know where panic buttons inside homes are located, and which security companies and police stations to call.
Other topics that were discussed
SMS
• Messages whereby they claim you have won huge sums of money. Asking you to either call a number or give personal information. Ignore such messages and do not respond.
• Please call me messages – do not call a number unless you know that number belongs to someone you know.
• Messages that tell you they are for free airtime or vouchers if you do certain things are without doubt a scheme. These can lead you to certain websites that may hack into your phone and get access to your personal information.
• Do not forward these messages either.
Voice calls
• If someone calls you and tells you to press any numbers on your phone, hang up the call. This can allow them access to your personal information or cause you to receive high phone bills.
• People who call you to tell you that you have won money should be ignored. If you haven’t entered a competition then you have certainly not going to win anything. Be very careful of these calls.
• People phoning you saying they are from certain companies, banks or government institutions asking for your personal details are definite scams. Never give out your personal information to anyone.
Internet
• Be aware of fake and spam emails trying to scam you out of your hard-earned money or personal information. If you receive an email from an unreliable source simply ignore, do not open attachments as these can corrupt your phone.
• Once again, be weary of emails claiming that you have won huge sums of money. If you had not entered a competition, you will not have won a prize.
Linmeyer Domestic Watch was a successful morning, where many ladies and one gardener attended.
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