The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Namakwa District has noted with concern an increase in reported incidents of online scams, particularly fraudulent transactions originating from social media platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, as well as banking-related scams involving criminals impersonating bank officials.
SAPS is issuing a stern warning to members of the public not to allow criminals to exploit their trust, urgency or lack of awareness to gain access to their money and confidential banking information.
Criminals continuously adapt their tactics and often use convincing stories, fake profiles, fraudulent links and social engineering techniques to deceive unsuspecting victims.
One of the prevalent modus operandi involves criminals advertising goods on Facebook Marketplace at prices significantly below market value.
Interested buyers are then requested to make an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payment before the goods are delivered. Once payment has been received, the alleged seller becomes uncontactable, blocks the victim and fails to deliver the goods.
Another common scam involves criminals telephonically impersonating bank officials.
Victims are falsely informed that there is a problem with their banking application, that a suspicious transaction has been detected, or that their account requires verification.
The fraudster then attempts to obtain confidential banking information by requesting the victim’s PIN, One-Time Password (OTP), card details or other security information, or by sending a fraudulent link designed to compromise the victim’s banking credentials.
SAPS cautions the community that legitimate banking institutions will not request customers to disclose their PINs or OTPs over the telephone.
Members of the public should also be extremely cautious of unsolicited links claiming to assist with banking applications, account verification or suspicious transactions.
Members of the public are urged to:
- Never disclose your PIN, OTP, CVV, password or other confidential banking credentials to anyone, including persons claiming to represent your bank.
- Do not click on links received via unsolicited SMS, WhatsApp, email or social media messages, particularly links relating to banking or account verification.
- Do not make advance payments for goods advertised online without properly verifying the seller and the goods.
- Be particularly cautious of products advertised at prices that are unreasonably low or appear too good to be true.
- Verify the identity and credibility of online sellers before making any payment.
- Where possible, inspect goods physically before making payment.
- Do not allow strangers remote access to your cellphone, computer or banking application.
- Never disclose your banking information to callers who create a sense of urgency or threaten that your account will be blocked.
- Use only official banking applications and verified banking channels when accessing your account.
- Regularly monitor your bank account and immediately report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions to your bank.
Parents, caregivers and family members are encouraged to assist elderly persons and young people in recognising and avoiding online scams, as these groups are often targeted by fraudsters.
SAPS further advises victims of banking or online scams to act immediately. Contact your bank through its official contact channels to secure or block the affected account or card, and report the matter to the nearest police station.
Victims should preserve all available evidence, including screenshots of conversations and advertisements, telephone numbers, social media profiles, links, proof of payment, bank statements and any other communication exchanged with the suspect. This information may assist the police with the investigation and identification of the perpetrators.
SAPS will continue to work with communities and relevant stakeholders to raise awareness and combat technology-facilitated and financial crimes. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to remember that criminals only need one opportunity to gain access to their money or personal information.
Do not be pressured into making a quick decision. Stop, verify and think before you click, pay or disclose any information.