THE Durban North police station has again raised the alarm about online fraud cases.

Spokesperson for the police station, Sergeant Nonhlanhla Shozi, said among crime stats discussed at the station, fraud cases were on the increase.

Shozi said that the most common fraud case involves vishing, in which criminals use phone calls that trick victims into providing personal information, like passwords or bank details.

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The suspects impersonate bank officials and allege there’s an issue with your account regarding fraudulent activity, prompting you to give them sensitive information.

The SAPS have also recorded online fraud cases involving the sale/rental of properties, vehicles, pets and other items.

“The station has recorded several cases of fraud where people have deposited money to the person pretending to be a seller. Our investigations revealed that the majority of victims deposit a large sum of cash and buy an advertised item that has been published on social media platforms, only to discover that the seller does not exist. We are urging residents not to deposit money to individuals or companies without verifying their legitimacy,” she said.

When it comes to the vishing scam, Shozi’s advice is simple, do not give out personal information.

“You should never respond to calls or messages alleging to be from your bank, which request your personal details. We have tried to sensitise the public through information campaigns at various malls as well as at our monthly community imbizos.”

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