Moot police warns of SIM swap scam

A large sum of money was withdrawn from a local resident’s account after receiving a phone call from a so-called “service provider”.

The so-called “SIM-swap scam” has resurfaced and several cases have been reported at Pretoria Moot police station.

Spokesperson Captain Anton Breedt, said the modus operandi is that the caller first confirm the caller’s details and then requests a SIM swap on his line.

“During the time of call, there is another person on the other line claiming he is the account holder.

“As the victim denied the request, the caller told her to switch off her phone for a few hours so that they can prevent the SIM swap from going through.

“When she switched her phone back on after the agreed time, several notifications from her bank came through about withdrawals made on her account,” said Breedt.

Station commander for Pretoria Moot police, Colonel Hlengani Giben Mashaba urged residents to always use extreme caution when doing business via the internet or social media.

“Assist the police in the fight against fraud and any other fraud-related crimes.

“This is merely one case reported that police know of. We would like to make the public attend on this sort of scam before this may spread further especially in the festive season,” he said.

Mashaba provided the following safety hints to protect victims from falling to this sort of scam or any other scam:

– Never disclose personal information to any person. If it is your service provider they should have all your details already.

– Never confirm your financial information online except when using a secure website.

– A SIM swap can’t be done without visiting your service provider. Service providers will never ask you to switch your phone off except when you are with the service provider.

– Cyber crime always involve electronic devices such as cellphones, laptops or other social device to commit this sort of crime involving people been defrauded out of money.

– When responding to adverts on social media, internet sites or print media do some research if this is a legit company or enquiry with the estate agency affairs board if this agency are registered.

– Always ask yourself this question: “Did I apply for this service or did I enter any competition to receive this call?”

– Never switch off your phone. Switching off your phone gives criminals a chance to withdraw money without your knowing or being able to stop it.

– When letting or renting a property (especially flats and garden flats) give yourself the time to meet the agent or inspect the premises before any money transfers are done. Many victims were surprised after paying a deposit and preparing to move into the premises only to find that the property was never advertised or are still occupied.

– Be very vigilant when giving any personal information such as your internet banking ID, passwords, etc.

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