Be careful of online fraudsters
Think twice before depositing your hard earned money into an unknown account for an item you saw online.
The police have issued these nine steps to prevent you from becoming a victim of fraud.
1. Items sold privately online do not carry a guarantee or return policy.
2. The seller requests payment even though the item is not physically seen by the buyer. Do not be fooled. Victims have been defrauded of large amounts of cash for puppies, washing machines, vehicles, cellphones, and more. Beware when asked to deposit cash to secure a discount or to ensure faster delivery for the item.
3. It is always advisable to go to a reputable store or legitimate second-hand dealer for bargains. Fraudsters are smart and cunning, and often, the deal sounds legitimate.
4. Fraudsters can hack into your social media account, pretend to be you and scam persons who know you to trade in foreign currencies. After a deposit is made, the hacker moves on to another victim.
5. Keep your bank card and PIN safe. Do not respond to any notifications that you have won a competition when you did not enter.
6. Register for 3D Secure or verified by Visa or Mastercard Securecode before making online purchases with your bank card.
7. Keep your personal documents, for example, identity documents, driver’s licence and passport in a safe place.
8. Report loss of cards to the necessary establishments.
9. Burn or shred confidential documentation when no longer needed.
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