Here are the top six scams you need to watch out for
The Courier spoke to eThekwini Saps' district communications commander to find out what the popular scams are and how to avoid becoming a victim.
North Coast communities face a daily onslaught from scammers, with the highest fraud rate in the country reported at Saps Durban North.
This according to crime statistics released by the police minister Bheki Cele for the third quarter of last year.
While the large cluster of car dealerships and financial institutions based in Umhlanga made a significant contribution to the statistic by means of fraud discovered and reported to police when they do financial audits, the problem is also significant further north in the Ballito area.
The Courier spoke to eThekwini district communications commander, Captain Carmen Rhynes, to determine what the most popular scams are and how to avoid getting caught.
She said in a world where technology is constantly changing, education was essential in staying one step ahead of scammers.
“Scammers take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that convince the public to give them money or personal details. Always stop, think and check before you act,” said Rhynes.
“Scammers rely on people not to spot the warning signs because they’re in a hurry. Scams look like a great deal that you don’t want to miss or appears to be from someone you trust.”
She highlighted six popular scams with tips on how to avoid them:
1. Adverts placed on social media sites request deposits before items can be delivered. Once the deposits are made, the seller is unreachable and the items never received. This includes pets.
How to avoid the scam:
Ask to view the item in a public place.
Only once the item is in your hand do you make any sort of payment.
Do not buy items on social media sites that need to be shipped.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it is.
2. Emails are being hacked and incorrect bank details are being sent with a request for outstanding payments. Payments are then made into the wrong bank accounts.
How to avoid the scam:
If you are paying someone for the first time, phone and confirm their banking details.
If the company you are paying suddenly changes their banking details, phone the company and confirm their bank details.
3. Personal information is being used by scammers to open bank accounts, defraud bank accounts or take out contracts for cellphones.
How to avoid the scam:
Safeguard your personal details at all times. Do not confirm or reveal your identity number, cellphone number or banking details to “telemarketers” over the phone.
Change your passwords to email and other platforms with your personal information regularly.
4. Clients receive calls from people who allegedly work at the bank with regards to fraudulent activity being found on their accounts. Clients are asked to either do a cash send to themselves or accept the One Time Pins and are then being defrauded.
How to avoid the scam:
Banks will never ask you to furnish them with personal information over the phone, nor will they ask you to do a cash send.
If in doubt, phone your bank personally, stop your cards and put a hold on your accounts. Then visit your closest branch as soon as possible.
5. While using ATMs, the machines stop working. Strangers then approach the client and offer to help, but end up defrauding them. Cards are either stolen or cloned.
How to avoid the scam:
Do not accept assistance from anyone standing near the ATM.
Cancel your transaction immediately. Do not attempt to put in your pin.
Contact your bank and cancel your card immediately.
6. An advertisement for a vehicle is placed, the seller gets a buyer for the car and they arrange to meet for a viewing. A deposit or the full amount is requested. Once the money is transferred, the seller leaves with the cash and the vehicle.
How to avoid the scam
Due to all the legal requirements regarding the licensing of a vehicle, it is better to work through a reputable dealership.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
