Westville cops caution elderly about fraud on Nelson Mandela Day
The police say the elderly are an important vulnerable group, who are advised not to give out their personal information, such as bank details, email addresses, and physical addresses and to be cautious of online deals that are too good to be true.
ON Friday, Nelson Mandela Day, members of the Westville SAPS dedicated 67 minutes to visiting the elderly at a retirement home in Dawncliffe, where residents were given tips on some topics, including fraud.
The station’s communications officer, Captain Elizabeth Squires, said the elderly are an “important vulnerable” group, who on the day were advised not to give out their personal information, such as bank details, email addresses, and physical addresses.
“Daily, we open cases of fraud. Scammers are very convincing, so people should be cautious when buying anything on marketplace. They must verify everything before making an EFT because if it is too good to be true, then it is possibly a scam,” advised Squires.
Also read: Watch: Pinetown SAPS makes sandwiches for Mandela Day
The station’s Nelson Mandela Day outreach programme was also attended by Vispol Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Adele Roos, along with Westville SAPS members Constable Rose Mshengu, Sergeant Zwelethu Khathi and Sergeant Thabani Dlamini, who also advised about general safety at the retirement home; how to safeguard personal belongings when out shopping; what to look out for to report to the police; and tips on how to prevent being a victim of a fraud scam.
“Emergency numbers were shared. The residents appreciated and welcomed the SAPS visit,” said Squires.
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