Local police warn residents of online fraud
“Many people fall for scam messages they receive on their cellphones, telling them that they have won large amounts of money.”
Edenvale Police Station called on residents to remain vigilant while using online purchase and payment methods.
Edenvale SAPS’ communications officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile said this warning comes after numerous fraudulent activities were reported to the police station.
Mashile said Edenvale SAPS has noticed a trend where community members are requested, by scammers, to pay sums of money to receive a larger amount of money.
ALSO READ: SAPS arrests three suspects involved in R1-millon fraud cases
“If something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” said Mashile.
Management of Edenvale Police Station advised community members to first verify if companies are legitimate before making a purchase
Many consumers shop online for bargains and spend large amounts of money purchasing the items as well as postage fees, only to find that the items are never delivered.
“When the company is investigated, it comes up as non-existent.”
Edenvale SAPS management urged shoppers to be sure of their purchases and to be wary of being scammed into spending large amounts of money.
Mashile said in instances where something looks too good to be true community members must exercise caution.
“If you’ve been asked to pay money to retrieve something that you’ve never ordered or purchased, why pay that money?
ALSO READ: Police warn of scammers and fraudsters on the prowl
“Many people fall for scam messages they receive on their cellphones, telling them that they have won large amounts of money.”
Mashile said when messages are responded to the recipient is asked to pay for postage or other fees.
He encouraged community members who find themselves in these situations to first seek advice before transferring or spending money.
