NEWCASTLE KZN: Here’s how to avoid being scammed

If the community works together with the police, the escalation of fraud around the Newcastle CBD can be regulated.

April 23, 2021

Newcastle Advertiser 2 minutes read

Newcastle police are investigating a number of cases in which social networks have been used to defraud innocent victims.

According to Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications office, cyber fraud is a huge concern.

“Often, the perpetrator will post an advert on social media claiming to be selling something, such as a car, and will even include a picture of the item. We strongly advise the public not to deposit money for advertisements they have seen on social media,” said Arumugam.

She has advised buyers to take heed of the following guidelines before going ahead with online purchases:

If you see an advertisement that piques your attention, call the advertiser and request a meeting at your local police station
Never invest your money without seeing the item and the person face to face.

“By collaborating with the community and the police, the escalation of fraud in the Newcastle CBD can be regulated. Scams can cost people a lot of money and cause distress,” she said.

Phishing and fraud scams explained

According to Arumugam, these are methods of accessing personal information such as passwords, social security numbers and credit card numbers by impersonating reputable sources, such as banks or legitimate businesses, by calling or sending emails or text messages.

“Typically, these emails or text messages ask users to click on a link in the email that leads to a spoofed website,” Arumugam explained.

This platform is intended to deceive users into believing that obtaining, verifying, or updating contact information or other sensitive financial information is legitimate.

“These emails and messages also include a phone number and contact person to whom you should call if you want to win large amounts of money.”

What you should do to avoid being a victim of a scam or fraud

Never respond to emails or phone calls claiming to be from your bank and requesting personal information. Remember that no bank will ever send you an email asking you to confirm or change your account information
Never tell someone your online ID, password, or PIN, and don’t write them down or post them
Don’t save your Internet banking password to your computer’s hard drive
After entering your Internet banking password, do not leave your machine unattended. Always log off or sign off at the end of a session
Don’t do your Internet banking in public places like Internet cafés or on any device that can be reached by strangers
Change your PIN and passwords on a regular basis
Set transaction limits on your accounts that are fair
Only give your credit card information to reputable businesses
If anything seems to be too good to be true, it typically is.