The police warned residents of Secunda and surrounding towns to be more vigilant and to watch out for fraudsters and con-artists.
According to Capt Bettina Zondo, spokesman for the Secunda Police, fraud is rife in the area and almost not a day goes by without someone reporting to police that they had been defrauded.
Capt Zondo provided a list of the types of cases where people are often conned.
She also explained why one should avoid these kinds of scams and cunning schemes from con-artists.
“There are many con-men on the Internet, so be extra careful when you want to sell something online, albeit a car, a laptop or anything else of value. Fraudsters would respond to your advertisement, send someone to collect the item and then also claim that they are transferring the money for that item as you speak.
“However, you never receive the money, while someone already came to collect the item you have advertised. The money never makes it to your pocket. Please make sure that before you hand over the item, the buyer has really paid, by confirming with your bank. This also goes for businesses. Make sure that the amount paid in, is indeed correct and has really been paid in before you deliver goods.”
Capt Zondo advised that if you order goods and have to pay before delivery, first verify the account number and make sure that you have the correct banking details. Many times con artists will pretend to be representatives from a certain department (usually a government institution) and will send you a fake email.
“Remember, if you have a history with a company and you are suddenly notified of the change in banking details, first verify this before simply using an new email address.”
“Do not give your bank card and PIN to anyone, not even a family member,” warned Capt Zondo.
She said criminals target people who are withdrawing large sums of money from the bank.
“If you plan to withdraw a substantial amount, take someone you know and trust with you. Ignore anyone who suddenly wants to assist you. Another ruse they use is to set a trap for you. They will see someone withdraw a large sum of money and will then follow that person. They will drop a wad of cash unbeknownst to the victim and then point it out to their victim and pretend that they have both discovered this money. The fraudster, often a pretty woman, will suggest they celebrate their luck in picking up this money by sharing it between themselves. She will lure the person into an isolated spot. That is when the woman’s accomplices appear and rob the unsuspecting victim.”
Capt Zondo said a regular occurrence is that of people applying for a job and then being told to pay money towards securing the employment.
“The recruiter will tell you to deposit money at Shoprite or Spar. People are desperate for work so they often fall for such scams. Please, do not pay for any job.
“If you deposit money at Shoprite or Checkers or any other Money Market, please keep your reference number and pin code safe. Do not even show it to your friends. Also make sure that the cell phone number of the person receiving the money is correct. Do not share this information with others or on the telephone within hearing distance of others. Someone might be listening in on your conversation.”
Capt Zondo urged people not to agree if someone in the bank or Money Market queue asks you to withdraw money for them because they had forgotten their ID book.
“Everyone knows that you must have your ID book with you when you withdraw money. They might be stealing someone else’s money and then implicate you in the process. Beware of these scams.”
She warned not to fall for scams where people tell you to first deposit money before you can borrow money to pay off a loan.
“Many people who are blacklisted are being duped in this way. They are desperate for a loan, and will therefore pay a bit of money to apply for a loan. Please firstly verify the account number.”
According to Capt Zondo fraudsters particularly target old and vulnerable people, especially those who are still set in tradition.
“The fraudster will tell the person that he or she has been cursed or bewitched and will have to pay to have the curse removed. The victim must place a large amount of money in a box along with the “curse”. When they get home and open the box, the money is gone and there are only pieces of papers. The culprits will often also demand the victim’s phone in an attempt to isolate their victim and preventing him or her from phoning for help.”
Fraudsters are targeting bank accounts by calling a person and pretending to be from their cell phone network provider. “They will tell you there is a problem and that you need to switch off your phone for a few hours. They also ask that you give them your four favourite numbers. This will give them ample time to hack your phone, figure out your PIN number and to change the cell phone number for the verification code when you do online banking.
“Your phone will be off and you will not be aware of anything or receive a notification.”
Capt Zondo said people must avoid withdrawing money from an ATM on Sundays – especially early morning of late evenings. Do not accept help from anyone and do not assist anyone.
“You card can be easily cloned. Be alert and always check who is behind you. If you see something suspicious, call a security guard. Con-artists like to place fake adverts about vehicles for sale on line or in a newspaper. Do not pay money for a vehicle you have not yet seen. The fraudster will tell you that many people are interested in the vehicle, and for you to have the first option to buy, you must deposit money. Why will you want to pay someone you have never met money for a car you have never seen? If you at all have the money, go to an authorised motor vehicle garage to buy a car and not to unknown people and expect the police to find them.”
Capt Zondo said it is very important to know that if anything sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.
“How can you win money if you have never entered a competition? Why should you pay for the item you have not seen? How can you meet someone on social media and suddenly they are interested in your money for customs, or tell you that you have inherited money?”
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