Be wary of who you speak to online
A mid-South Coast local recently had one of her social media accounts hacked.
An appeal is made by the Saps for the public to adhere to several tips to prevent one from becoming a victim of crime.
With regards to online crimes, police ask people to be careful of who they meet on various social media platforms or dating sites as many of these scammers pray on victims for cash and other valuables.
“Criminals masquerade themselves in the nicest way,” explained Scottburgh Saps communications officer, Captain Adam Francis.
“They are very convincing. Approach every person who you may meet in person and over the telephone with caution.”
A mid-South Coast local unfortunately became a victim of an online hacking/scam last weekend. She thought she was in contact with a mutual friend running a Bitcoin business on a social media platform, not realising that the friend’s account had been hacked and the hacker was scamming people into believing they were joining the trading business.
The local then lost her social media account to the hacker who is now impersonating her online as if she is now also doing trading, in an attempt to scam more people for money. Although this victim gave the hacker her banking details as she was requested to to join the ‘business’, she was lucky enough that no funds were withdrawn from her account.
“Do not give any of your personal details to anyone online as you may not always be talking to the person you think you are in contact with,” she said.
“My social media is still currently hacked and I no longer have contact with the hacker who was harassing me to do things, including payments, in order to get back my social media.”
Before she was logged out of her social media account by the hacker, she was sent a notification about her account being logged in, in Nigeria.
“This incident has been frustrating and people who don’t know my story think that I am trying to scam people online now. Be careful of who you give out your details to online.”
Police also ask the public not to entertain phone calls from anyone claiming that they are an employee of a bank and that they are investigating suspicious activities in your account. Remember not to confirm your personal details and give out an ‘OTP’ number either.
Report all criminal activities to your nearest Saps or Crime Stop on 086 0010111. You may use the Saps MySAPS app as well.
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