Watch out for OTP scammers

Rising crime trends highlighted

At the CPF meeting on March 19, some worrying trends were highlighted. The Port Alfred public are being scammed out of large amounts of money.

The public are advised to be exceptionally vigilant at ATMs, where there are large numbers of people standing around. Don’t allow people in to your “space”, especially if they try to distract your attention. Ask them politely to move away. Look for security officers nearby who can assist you.

Contact the police as soon as possible if you experience what you think may be a deliberate attempt to distract you at an ATM, or if you have been distracted and lost your card and/or money.

Be aware of individuals in and around the CBD who harass the public for tips in exchange for supposedly guarding your car. We once again implore the public not to give anything to unregistered people claiming to be providing a security service.

A new ploy is for such a person to have a dog on a lead and to ask for money for food for the dog because the animal hasn’t eaten in days. Don’t fall for this trick as it could be a way of distracting your attention, especially if your hands are full of parcels.

If you visit a restaurant at night be aware of your surroundings and especially any people loitering near your vehicle, or on the way to it.

ONLINE TRICKSTERS

A special request from SAPS: our residents are giving their one-time pin (OTP) numbers to cellphone callers who claim to be from banks and/or service providers. Under no circumstances at all should you ever give these callers your OTP. Many banks provide their online banking customers with warnings about new or recurring scams. Read and familiarise yourself with these warnings, so you understand how the crooks who call you persuade you to believe they’re legitimate.

Port Alfred residents are losing large sums of money when buying online from unknown people or places. The biggest culprits at the moment are people advertising animals and vehicles. These scammers are untraceable.

If you’re buying something that was advertised online or on social media, make an appointment to view it with a friend or partner. Never go alone and never have any money with you.

IN YOUR CAR

At the most recent monthly meeting, SAPS reported that there is an increase in items being stolen out of vehicles.

There are three things drivers and passengers do that hand criminals the opportunity to steal from them:

They leave items where they can be seen;

They move valuable items from inside the vehicle to the boot in full view of bystanders;

They fail to check whether their vehicles are locked before moving off.

Insurance companies don t pay vehicle was not’ out claims if they can ascertain that the forcibly damaged to enter and remove items. And don’t say it was if it wasn’t: false information is classified as perjury, a serious offence.

AT HOME

SAPS also reported that many residents leave windows and doors open in full view of the street. This gives the criminals easy access to take advantage of their luck and easy pickings. Residents who claim that their cats need access, must look for a safe way for the cat to get in and out.

People are not activating their alarms when they go out, assuming that they won't be long. Why have an alarm which you don’t use?

The community policing forum (CPF) is making a huge appeal to residents of Port Alfred to join the CPF. Statistics show that where there is visible policing, crime is lower. It doesn’t matter what age or gender you are we need you!

You can get more details from these CPF members:

Mike Hockin: 072-441-7896. Mike Hosty: 072-788-1010. Justin Simpson: 074-117-2809. Jane le Roux: 083-327-3016. Anel: 071-568-8041.

Alec McKerrow: 082-878-3203.