AMANZIMTOTI police warn the community about the escalating cases of fraud being reported, and provide ways to avoid falling victim to this type of crime.

Also read: 7 ways to protect yourself from cybercrime

The police station’s communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said the festive season was normally characterised by criminality and added it was vital for the public to exercise caution to safeguard themselves and their property.

“Falling victim to fraud and scams can cause a great deal of distress. Types of fraud committed include card cloning, online, petrol card and asset-based or vehicle sales. Regarding the asset-based fraud, fraudsters physically visit car dealerships with fraudulent documents, and then make applications to purchase. The dealers will only become aware of the fraud after the cars have been collected by the so-called buyer,” she said.

With online or social media, Van der Spuy said swindlers advertised and displayed vehicles that were for sale. Upon response, unsuspecting victims were being lured to secluded places and eventually robbed of their cash and other personal belongings.

“In some instances, suspects use social media to advertise various products and victims are then given account numbers to make payments, but no deliveries will be made,” she said.

Phishing and fraud scams are methods of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit card details by calling, sending emails or cell phone messages that look like they come from trusted sources such as banks or legitimate companies.

Van der Spuy said typically, these emails or messages requested that users clicked on a link, which then directed them to a spoofed website to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information.

“These emails and messages also contain a telephone number and contact person to call as you are promised you could win large sums of money,” she said.

What to do to prevent falling victim to fraud and scams:

• Apply precautionary measures when purchasing any item online. It is advisable to conduct verification if the company is reputable and registered
• Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust
• Do not click on links or icons in unsolicited emails
• Never provide your online ID, password or pin to anyone
• Always log off or sign off at the end of each session
• Avoid doing internet banking in public areas such as internet cafés, or on any computer that can be accessed by people you do not know

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