By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

16 September 2024 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West said it is perturbed by escalating fraud cases in places like Rustenburg, Hartbeespoort Dam, Lichtenburg and Klerksdorp, among others.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said despite regular warnings and tips by the police and financial institutions, it is apparent that fraudsters continue to defraud unsuspecting members of the community.

“It is vital that caution is exercised when one conducts transactions with companies or individuals.  In Hartbeespoort Dam, bank account holders received calls from a person claiming to be a bank employee responsible for the Fraud Department.

“The caller requested the account holders to urgently log on to their bank App in order to stop fraudulent transactions. Consequent to accessing the details, the suspect withdrew monies from the victim’s accounts,” said Mokgwabone.

He further said still in Hartbeespoort Dam, a victim got a message that he was a beneficiary on the estate of a relative who passed away in a foreign country.  Mokgwabone added that the victim was persuaded to pay a certain amount for taxes and clearance of the inheritance.

“Since then, nothing was heard from the suspect. In some instances, potential car buyers responded to incredibly below the market vehicles sales advertisements on WhatsApp, Facebook and other online platforms. Moreover, the vehicles’ pictures would be shared to entice clients.

“The alleged fraudster/s would further inform potential buyers that the vehicle will be auctioned unless they secure it with a deposit. The fraudster/s would also share fraudulent documents to convince the potential buyers that the deal is legitimate and to pay the balance and delivery fees. However, no vehicle will be delivered,” he said.

Mokgwabone said members of the community are requested to apply safety tips. He said if unsuspecting clients receive suspicious calls, they should hang up immediately and if they feel pressured and call their banks fraud lines.

“A bank employee will never ask you to give them a One Time Pin (OTP). Never give a person your OTP and should at no time supply the requested information to the caller. If you do not know a “family member” who lives in another country, then chances are that there is no person who has left an inheritance for you.

“Do not pay any money for taxes or clearance. Do not pay for a car if you have not viewed it physically. Cars due for auction will be available for viewing at a given physical address and genuine auctioneers will never refuse you access to view the vehicle during business hours,” said Mokgwabone.

He also urged unsuspecting clients to avoid replying to letters / emails / SMSes that fraudsters send to them. Mokgwabone said they should never disclose their ID, Password or Pin to anyone.

“Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts. Be careful of something that looks too good to be true, it usually is,” said Mokgwabone.

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