Community cautioned against online scams
With the COVID -19 virus outbreak, citizens are urged to use online platforms to limit public exposure, but police want to remind the public to remain extra cautious when using digital mediums.
Fraudsters will continue to find creative means of defrauding unsuspecting consumers and the community is advised to educate themselves on ways on how to prevent becoming a victim and losing their hard-earned savings.
Cases of fraud continue to escalate with bogus sellers of goods or services luring people into their net of deceit.
Advertisements on social media platforms must be viewed with caution.
Police have provided some safety awareness tips to protect yourself from fraud and scams.
Phishing is a method of deceitfully obtaining personal information such as passwords, identity numbers and credit card details by calling, sending emails or cellphone messages that appear to come from trusted sources, such as banks or legitimate companies
Typically, these emails or cellphone messages request users to click on a link in the email, which will direct users to a spoofed website – a site designed to fool users into thinking that it is legitimate – to obtain, verify or update contact details or other sensitive financial information
These emails and messages also contain a telephone number and contact person whom you should call, as you are promised you could win large sums of money
What you should do to prevent becoming a victim
Never respond to emails or cellphone messages appearing to be from your bank which request your personal details. Remember that no bank will ever ask you to confirm or update your account details by email
Never provide your online identity, password or pin to anyone and never write them down or share them
Don’t save your internet banking password on your desktop
Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your internet banking password
Always log off at the end of a 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 Change your PIN and passwords frequently
Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts
Only provide your credit card details to reputable companies
If it looks too good to be true, it usually is Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust
Source - http://www.saps.gov.za