Beware of bank fraud
The caller would then request the victim’s bank card number and pin, claiming that she wanted to reverse the money.
Bank fraud is on the rise in central Pretoria, the police said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Sergeant Ann Poortman said police were now running an awareness campaign to warn people against this type of crime.
“In most of the cases reported a woman will call posing as a consultant from the customer service of a bank,” said Poortman.
“The bogus consultant informs the targets that they have been defrauded and that money has been taken out of their bank accounts.”
The caller would then request the victim’s bank card number and pin, claiming that she wanted to reverse the money.
“Few minutes after the victim has given them this information, the victim receives notifications on his/her cellular phone of money being withdrawn from his/her account,” Poortman said.
The latest victim was robbed R10 000 .
Poortman urged people to be vigilant this festive season and not to give out confidential banking information to potential scammers.
She offered some tips:
– Never disclose your banking details to anyone.
– If you receive an unexpected call or email from your bank asking for information on your account, treat the call as suspicious, especially if the caller request information the bank should already have.
– Most banks will never ask you for your internet banking password, if you are asked for this then do not respond. Call the bank immediately and report the matter.
– Always check your bank notifications and statements so that you can be aware of potentially harmful activity.
– If the call sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Beware of text messages or emails promising you large amounts of cash but force you to make a deposit or send your bank account number.
– When making a personal loan at a legitimate institution, you would never be asked to pay anything beforehand.
Also read:
Fraudster nabbed after lengthy manhunt
Bank employee arrested for fraud
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
