North West police are concerned about fraud cases in Rustenburg, Hartbeespoortdam, Lichtenburg, and Klerksdorp.

Two cases of fraud were reported in Hartbeespoort by victims who were allegedly defrauded.

The first victim received a call from a supposed bank employee in the fraud department, requesting the victim to log on to their banking app, once logged on, the suspect withdrew money from the victim’s accounts.

‘Be careful of something that looks too good to be true’

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

“It is vital that caution is exercised when one conducts transactions with companies or individuals.”

Members of the community are requested to apply the following safety tips:

• Should unsuspecting clients receive suspicious calls, they should hang up immediately if they feel pressured and call their bank’s fraud lines.
• A bank employee will never ask you to give them a one-time PIN (OTP). Never give a person your OTP.
• One 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.

‘Something that looks too good to be true, usually is’

• 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.
• Avoid replying to letters, emails, and SMSs that fraudsters send to you.
• Never disclose your ID, password, and pin to anyone.
• Put sensible transaction limits on your accounts.
• Be careful of something that looks too good to be true, it usually is.

A bank employee would never ask for your OTP. Photo: iStock

The second victim received a message indicating that he was a beneficiary of the estate of a relative who passed away in a foreign country. He was persuaded to pay a certain amount for taxes and clearance of the inheritance. The suspect was never heard from again.

OFM News mvh