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The Ravensmead police have expressed their concern after a sudden rise in fraud-related cases in the precinct.
According to Capt Odwa Makapula the detective unit at the station did a crime analysis and saw the rise.
“The period reflects from January to April, and cases vary from social media, internet fraud, scams and at the ATMs in the area,” he said.
Makapula said certain trends or patterns (modus operandi) were identified from complainants’ statements, where they were the victims of scams or misrepresentation by the suspects.
“Complainants receive a call from a stranger who introduces him/herself as an official or investigator of a certain bank-fraud unit and requested to confirm their banking details, and later the money is gone. Other scams are on Facebook and WhatsApp about investment opportunities, the market place, online job advertisements and unauthorised debit orders from bank accounts.”
People lost money
He said many people had lost their hard-earned money this way.
“This is very concerning, and hence we took the initiative to sensitise our people to being alert to and vigilant about these types of crimes.”
He gave the following tips:
- Identity fraud – Always keep your ID (identity book), passport and driver’s licence in a safe place. Do not give personal information out on the phone, through the post or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact or know whom you are dealing with.
- 419 Scam – You may be offered the opportunity to claim monies worth millions of dollars or rands. Under no circumstances should you attempt to reply, either by email, phone or post.
- Safety at the ATM – Avoid isolated ATMs and using the ATMs late at night. Never give your card or you PIN to anyone for any reason – not even a bank official, security personnel or a police official. Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. Ensure that your own card is returned after the transaction. Wherever possible, keep your cash withdrawals to a minimum. Use ATMs in well-lit and safe places. Don’t allow your card to be removed from your sight.
- Don’t accept help from strangers or give out your pin, not even to persons claiming to be bank officials. Watch out for the people standing very close to you and looking over your shoulder as you type in your pin.
- Never leave your card in the ATM, if stuck, follow instructions provided on the ATM machine. Make sure you are not followed after a transaction.
