Don’t take the bait: Fraudsters target South Africans during the festive rush

South Africans are encouraged to remain vigilant as scammers take advantage of the festive rush.

Manie van Schalkwyk, CEO of the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) – which works with banks and retailers to create a fraudster database for consumers – highlights that the top categories of fraud include fraudulent documents and money mules, and phishing and investment scams.

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Victims are presented with fake information and documentation, so they give up their bank account information, identity, or send money to fraudsters.

Scams are the art of convincing people, convincing you that the person on the other end of the line says he is from the bank, but he is a fraudster, and he wants you to divulge your information,” he explains.

Van Schalkwyk emphasises the importance of remaining cautious and questioning or verifying everything.

SAFPS’s organisation Yima provides free tools and resources to help protect consumers, while encouraging them to report any incidents.

“If you receive any phone call from your bank or cell phone company, just say goodbye. Phone back on the number that you have. Don’t rely on information that the fraudster will give you, and find out what is going on.”

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To listen to Van Schalkwyk in conversation with 702’s Clement Manyathela, click the audio player below: