Community come together to fight crime
Honeydew CPF, in collaboration with law enforcement, equipped older citizens with skills to combat cybercrimes.
The Honeydew Community Police Forum (CPF), in partnership with the police and private security companies, hosted an elderly fraud awareness campaign on Saturday, February 21.
CPF public relations officer Michael Steyn said the initiative aims to address an increase in scams targeting residents, particularly older people.
“These types of talks make residents aware of what’s happening out there,” Steyn said.
“We care deeply about our senior community members and are committed to educating them about these scams and the steps they can take to protect themselves. If we can help even one resident avoid becoming a victim, we will consider this initiative a success.”
Warrant Officer Chris Molapo from the Honeydew Police Station presented an interim report on cybercrime cases reported in the precinct and shared advice on how to avoid being scammed.
“Elderly people are the majority of cybercrime victims because scammers know they are more susceptible. They are also aware that older people receive retirement benefits,” he said.
Molapo outlined the most commonly reported scams, including banking fraud, social media marketplace scams, family impersonation scams and online dating fraud.
Also read: Honeydew CPF warns residents against viral ‘SABC Inspector’ scam
Residents also shared their experiences, allowing others to learn from real cases.
Steyn said the CPF will continue hosting awareness campaigns across the Honeydew precinct. Dates and venues for upcoming talks will be announced.
