Lentswe, Stilfontein - The police in the town are being bombarded with complaints of cybercrime, internet fraud and bank fraud. According to W/O Naas Venter of the local police, criminals are using these channels to defraud the public and steal some of their money as more people gain access to smartphones, WhatsApp, internet banking and online shopping platforms
These crimes are happening everywhere in South Africa - in every town. In Stilfontein, more than a hundred fraud cases were recently reported. That’s a lot for such a small town. Stay vigilant. Use your common sense,” he says.
Report crime or suspicious activity to the police. The anonymous crime line is 08600 10111. Venter highlights the following ways to scam people.
- Phishing emails and SMS
Scammers send fake messages that appear to be from banks or companies. They ask for your OTP, PIN or personal details. Never share this information. Don’t trust anyone who calls you and says they are from the bank to be telling the truth. They claim money has been deducted from your account, and while you are logging in, they track your phone and gain access to your account.
They send you a fake OTP and ask for your password - never give it. End the call immediately and contact your bank. These criminals gain access to your bank and any linked accounts (email, savings plans, credit cards, overdrafts, etc.)
- Online shopping fraud
Criminals advertise fake products (such as cars, electronics, livestock) on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and other platforms. Once you pay, they disappear. They advertise caravans, trailers, etc. at unbelievable prices. Don’t pay any money. If the item is much cheaper than normal, it is usually too good to be true. Use apps like “True Caller” to check numbers. Google the company address, call around to see if it exists. If a website has only good reviews, it could be that friends/family members posted it themselves.
- Whatsapp identity fraud
Criminals pretend to be someone you know and ask for money or advertise products at low prices.
- Fake estate and lottery claims
You get a message that a wealthy relative or stranger has died and you are receiving a payout. If you have not been contacted by a legitimate lawyer or bank, ignore it.
- “Pop-up ads”
If you allow cookies or tracking on your phone, you may be susceptible to “pop-up” fraud. Ads that say you have won, later ask for money or a subscription fee. Do not click on any ads. Exit the app, block, delete and report the website. You won nothing. Adult websites - don’t respond to messages from “Men/Women who want to chat”.
- “Easy money”
Beware of schemes that promise to double your money or make you rich quickly. Pyramid schemes are common. They use fake Facebook ads, WhatsApp and other social media. They can “hack” your friends’ Facebook and contact you. Call the person and confirm. There is no such thing as easy money.
- SIM swap and mobile banking scams
Criminals can take over your mobile phone number and gain access to your banking apps. If you suddenly lose network connection or get strange banking notifications - contact your mobile phone provider and bank immediately. Do not talk to these people - they are convincing.
- “Cash send” scams
When using your banking app to send money, make sure only you are using your device. Do not give your details to anyone. Many cases occur where money does not reach the right person. Use places where you feel safe and do not allow strangers to “help” you.
- ATM scams Take someone with you when you go to an ATM. Do not let anyone help you! Criminals will say they forgot their slip or card in the ATM - this is a way to steal or clone your card. If your card has the “tap” feature turned on, make sure a PIN is still required. If a card is stolen with no security PIN, the criminal can use the card multiple times at different stores.
- Arrest warrant:
People receive calls or WhatsApp messages from criminals pretending to be police officers and saying there is a warrant for your arrest. They claim a package of drugs was found in your name or there is a case against you. They then want money to “make the case disappear”. The police will never contact you and warn you that you are going to be arrested. If you know you have done nothing wrong, ignore and block them.
- Sexual exploitation
You are threatened via Messenger, WhatsApp or Instagram that there are sexual images/videos of you. They threaten to distribute them to your family, colleagues or on social media. If you know you have not shared anything, block and report the account. Don’t believe anything they say.
- Your bank will never ask for your PIN: Banks will never ask for your PIN or password. Your bank does not have access to your PIN - only you will know if money has been withdrawn from your account. If you sign up for a free online trial and don’t cancel, it’s not the bank’s fault if money is taken out of your bank account. Don’t share your banking details on “free” trials without reading the fine print.
How to protect yourself
Never share your PIN, OTP, or passwords with anyone - even if they say they’re from the bank. Always verify someone’s identity before giving out money or personal details. Don’t trust strangers online who promise deals, inheritances, or investments. Don’t make advance payments to unknown people or vendors. Strongly recommend.
