Beware of Telkom scam

A RETIREE was targeted by criminals purporting to be from Telkom with a new telephonic scam hoping to retrieve her banking details this week.

The scam usually targets retirement homes and elderly residents by masking themselves as Telkom employees.

A Durban North resident, who only gave her first name, Jane, said she recieved a call from a Telkom ‘official’ who said she could help reduce her phone costs even more with a new offer. “She knew my name and that I was a pensioner. The operator verified my details and said Telkom were offering special discounts. She then told me that she had to verify my details and she put me through to a man who asked for my credit card details.

“I don’t know what I was thinking but I gave him my credit card particulars. He then said he couldn’t use my details and asked if I had another card. I told him I didn’t have another card,” she said.

After the call Jane said she’d realised it was a scam and cancelled her card. Earlier this year a number of retirement villages were targeted in Berea.

Durban North SAPS spokesman, Lt Raymond Deokaran, urged residents not to give details out and said this was a scam. “We want to make residents and organisations aware of these scams especially now when people can do with any extra money,” he added.