Police have advised the public numerous times on measures to take to avoid becoming victims of fraud.
A more recent case involved a South Coast woman who received a call from a cellphone number claiming she had won a big prize. In order to claim her prize, she had to make a large deposit.
Police say that the woman made the requested deposit.
Thereafter, she was unable to contact the caller again, and no prize was received. A case was opened for investigation.
Other methods of fraud occur when an unsuspecting person receives a call from their bank claiming someone is withdrawing funds from their account, and they must log onto their banking app for assistance. When they do, the fraudster has access to their funds.
The public is also urged to purchase second-hand goods at registered second-hand dealers and outlets where the purchase is legitimate and may have conditions of sale, where you can examine the goods before making payment.
Police advise the public not to respond to any notifications claiming that they have won a competition they did not enter; keep your personal documents such as ID, driver’s licence and passport in a safe place and remember to report loss of cards to the necessary establishments.
It also helps to burn or shred confidential documentation when no longer needed.
Contact your nearest police station if you have become a victim of fraud.
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