Newcastle SAPS releases tips to avoid being a victim of fraud

Newcastle SAPS releases tips to avoid being a victim of fraud.

Lizzy Arumugam of the Corporate Communications unit has revealed there are several situations where customers purchased vehicles online, and were defrauded of their money.

“Please make sure you see what you’re buying before you pay for it, and that you’re happy with it,” she urged.

The basic tips provided below can assist you in protecting yourself and your family from scammers.

Scams can cost people a lot of money and create a lot of pain.

You can protect yourself from scammers by following these easy guidelines.

“Phishing and fraud Scams are deceptive techniques of collecting personal information such as passwords, identity numbers, and credit card details by calling, sending emails, or text messages that appear to come from reputable sources such as banks or legitimate businesses.”

Typically, she said these emails or cell phone messages ask users to click on a link in the email.

This link will take them to a spoofed website designed to trick users into thinking it is authentic.

“They do so in order to gather, confirm, or update contact information or other sensitive financial information.”

These emails and texts also include a phone number and contact person who you should call, if you want to earn significant sums of money.

Here is what you should do to avoid becoming a victim of scams and fraud:

“Never react to emails or cell phone calls purporting to be from your bank and requesting your personal information. “

• Keep in mind that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or amend your account information by email.
• Never provide your online ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them.
• Your Internet banking password should not be saved on your desktop.
• After you’ve entered your Internet banking password, don’t leave your computer alone.
• At the end of each session, log off or sign off.

“Avoid completing your online banking in public places like Internet cafés or on any machine that can be accessed by others.”

• Change your PIN and passwords on a regular basis.
• Set transaction limitations on your accounts that are reasonable.
• Only give your credit card information to reliable businesses.
• If something appears to be too good to be true, it almost always is.

“When buying anything online, members should take precautions. It is also a good idea to check if the company is registered.”

• NEVER pay money to someone you don’t know or trust, or give out your credit card or online account information.

“The SAPS is dedicated to ensuring that all people in South Africa live in a safe and secure environment. This can only be accomplished if individuals and communities collaborate with the police by providing information on criminals and their activities. The police and the community should work together to act against crime and prevent it,” she concluded.