Police warn public as Hibberdene pensioner falls victim to online scam
The public has been repeatedly warned to be aware of fraudsters, especially online.
A Hibberdene pensioner fell prey to a fraudulent investment trap after he saw a recent post on a social media platform.
He was requested to invest R1500 to receive a pay-out of R15 000.
Saps Ugu District Communication said the pensioner was contacted and informed that he had won an amount much more than what he had invested, but to receive it another payment had to be made, which he then did.
When further payments were requested he realised he had been defrauded.
The public has been repeatedly warned to be aware of fraudsters, especially online as they continue to lose money to false investment schemes, pets, vehicles and furniture.
“Fraudsters continue to post scams and fraudulent schemes on social media because the public is still falling prey to them.”
Here are 6 tips to avoid becoming a victim:
1. Purchase second hand goods at registered second hand dealers and outlets where your purchase is legitimate and may have conditions of sale attached. Also, you can physically see and examine the goods prior to payment.
2. Fraudsters can also hack into your social media account, pretend to be you and scam persons who are known to you to trade in foreign currencies.
3. After a deposit is made, the hacker moves on to another victim.
4. Do not respond to any notifications that you have won a competition when you did not enter.
5. Keep your personal documents, for example: identity document, driver’s licence, passport in a safe place.
6. Report loss of cards to the necessary establishments. Burn or shred confidential documentation when no longer needed.
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