The Eastern Cape police have warned residents that several cases of fraud following the purchase of vehicles online, are currently being investigated.
Police spokesman Captain Siphokazi Mawisa said several members of the public had been robbed of their cash after following up on such offers.
“The most recent incident was reported after a member of the community deposited an undisclosed amount of cash towards the purchasing a vehicle that he saw online. After the money was deposited the buyer’s cellphone was on voicemail and no vehicle was delivered to him.”
How to protect yourself from fraud and scams:
The simple tips below will help you protect yourself and your family from scams. Scams can cost people a lot of money and cause a great deal of distress. By following these simple tips, you can protect yourself against scams.
What you should do to prevent falling victim to scams and fraud:
- Ensure that the money is in your bank account before you release what you are selling. You can check this with your bank if the amount is cleared.
- Never respond to emails or cell phone 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 ID, password or PIN to anyone and never write them down or share them.
- Do not save your Internet banking password on your desktop.
- At all times be alert, be sure before you take any decision. Don’t be a victim
- Do not leave your computer unattended after you have entered your Internet banking password.
- Always log off or sign 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.
- Members must apply precautious measures when purchasing any item online, it is advisable to conduct verification if the company is registered.
Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.
The SAPS was committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa but this could only be achieved if individuals and communities cooperated with the police by volunteering information on criminals and their activities.