Police in the Northern Cape have warned residents to watch out for online and financial scams before the festive season. The South African Police Service (SAPS) said fraudsters are using fake investments, banking tricks, dating profiles and false prize messages.
Police said they are concerned that more shopping over the festive season could give criminals more chances to target consumers, IOL reported.
“Criminals continue to exploit digital platforms, social media, mobile applications and electronic communication to target unsuspecting individuals, often using deceptive tactics to gain their trust and unlawfully obtain their money and personal information,” Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Nomthandazo Mnisi said.
Mnisi said fake investment schemes shared on WhatsApp and other social media platforms remain a concern. She said criminals promise victims very high returns in a short time.
“Victims are often promised unrealistic financial returns within a short period after making an initial deposit,” she said.
Police also warned about banking scams. Mnisi said fraudsters pretend to be bank officials to get private financial information.
She said they also send false messages, emails and links. These claim that a victim’s bank account needs verification or that suspicious transactions were detected.
Dating platforms are another target. “In online dating scams, perpetrators create fake social media or dating profiles and establish relationships with unsuspecting individuals,” Mnisi said.
Police also cautioned the public about messages that say they have won competitions, lotteries, vehicles, cash prizes or other valuable items.
Mnisi warned consumers never to share their banking details, personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs).
Police advised people to check investment offers before they transfer any money. They said people should avoid suspicious links sent by SMS, email or WhatsApp.
Police also said people should not pay unknown individuals to claim supposed winnings.
Consumers who suspect fraud were encouraged to contact their banks directly through official channels.
“The police emphasise that criminals often exploit trust, emotions and the promise of financial gain to deceive their victims,” Mnisi said.
“Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do not let greed, fear or emotions cloud your judgement. Verify before you trust and think before you pay,” she said.
The Northern Cape SAPS said it remains committed to fighting fraud and financial crimes. It called on communities to stay alert and report suspicious activity.
Police urged victims of financial scams to notify their financial institutions immediately and to report the incidents at their nearest police station.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.