The Midrand Police Station, which polices Kyalami, Barbeque Downs and Glenferness within the Fourways Review distribution area, would like residents to act responsibly and not fall victim to fraud or scams.
They suggest the simple tips below to help you protect yourself and your family from scams. Scams can cost people a lot of money and cause a great deal of distress, but by following these simple tips, you can protect yourself against them.
Phishing and fraud scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit card details by calling, sending emails or cell phone messages that look like they come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies.
Typically, these emails or cell phone messages request that users click on a link in the email, which will direct users to a spoofed website – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate – to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.
These emails and messages also contain a telephone number and a contact person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money.
Here are some tips to prevent being the victim of fraud, compromise the safety of your property and to keep safe while you are at home:
What you should do to prevent falling victim to scams and fraud:
- Never respond to emails or cell phone messages appearing to be from your bank which requests your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email.
- Never provide your online ID, password or pin to anyone and 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 computer that can be accessed by people you do not know.
- Change your pin and passwords frequently.
- Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
- Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies.
- If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.
- Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
Access and key control:
- Do not allow strangers on your premises or in your house without having properly identified the person, especially at night.
- Implement proper key control measures.
- Identify keys by means of codes instead of indicating in writing on labels to which gate/door access can be gained.
- Keys to the safe must be kept on the person.
- Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats.
- Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front or back door should be turned to avoid easy removal.
- Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.
- Change locks when keys are lost.
- Insert barring devices in door locks.
- Remove keys from doors when leaving.
Communication:
- There should be two systems for alternative back up – telephone or cellular phone.
- Have the telephone installed where it is easily accessible from anywhere in the house.
- Inform your children not to give an indication that adult supervision is not available when they answer the phone.
To reach emergency services, please call 10111.
Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/286132/online-fraud-scams-need-know/
https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/286479/ecommerce-fraud-hacking-prevention-tips/
