Warning as woman is scammed out of R400 000
The victim received an online message stating she had won a cash prize in dollars, but had to pay various amounts to 'release' the winnings.
Police in the east of Pretoria warned residents against an online scam in which a 60-year-old woman lost almost R400 000.
The victim received an online message stating she had won a cash prize in dollars, with a reference number, according to Boschkop police spokesperson Sergeant Yeroboam Mbatsane.
Mbatsane said the woman was given different bank accounts to pay different amounts to “release” the winnings between July and December 2022.
“The total amount paid was R398 106.”
“No arrests have been made yet and police investigation continues.”
He said online scams had been on the increase and residents continued to fall victim to the fraudsters despite warnings by police.
“The patterns change; however, the platform remains the same. This time they are targeting elderly people specifically.”
He warned that most people were still vulnerable to such scams.
This time of the year there would be online accommodation and bogus school scams in particular.
He advised citizens to check all the information properly before committing to anything financially.
“Residents must not be pressured into sending money or bank details to anyone. First, discuss it with someone you trust.”
“If you believe you have been the target of a scam, report it to the nearest police station for assistance.”
Boschkop station commander Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Witbooi also warned the residents to beware of online scams.
“If it is too good to be true, then it’s not true,” he said.
“If you can not touch or smell it, then be suspicious about it.”
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