WhatsApp users are being warned that criminals are targeting them . This comes after a spate of reports that unsuspecting Newcastle residents have been scammed out of their hard earned cash.
In this particular scam that has been reported, a fraudster will join a community WhatsApp group and then send out a link for their own group.
In this instance, the name of the scammers group that has been doing the rounds is ‘Lovely Finds.’
Unsuspecting members are then lured as furniture and appliances are advertised for ridiculously cheap with the promise that instalments are accepted. The pictures posted on the group show brand new lounge suites, fridges and dining room sets that would retail for nothing less that R4000 being priced between R 1300 and R2500. This price, according to the scammer, would include a delivery fee of R300 which would supposedly be deducted from the original price of the item.
Speaking to Spotlight On Newcastle a resident , who declined to be named, claimed that she was scammed by this very same group.
“I joined the group when I came across the Lovely Finds link on one of my many advertising groups that I belong to. I joined and I was pleasantly surprised to find affordable lounge suites and other home items. I was interested in an outdoor patio set that was listed for R2100. I contacted the admin of the group, upon enquiry I was told that they are based in the Volksrust area and would be able to deliver the patio set for a fee of R300 that same day, which was included in the original selling price,” she said.
The victim further explained that the scammer had also sent her a picture of a South African Identity Document in order to validify the fact that it was indeed a legit business, but refused any calls or video calls on the pretense that they are ‘extremely busy’.
The victim was then required to do an immediate payment of R300 into the scammers bank account to secure the item and delivery which would be made later that day. The remaining balance of R 1800 would be paid once the goods were received by the victim.
“I deposited the money ,sent my address and anticipated delivery but that did not happen. The day after I sent a message to the group admin lady asking why my goods had not been delivered , only to be ignored. I then tried calling numerous times only to be removed from the group and blocked. I then began contacting other members from the same group only to discover that they too had been scammed,” she explained.
The victim reported the incident to local SAPS and a case was opened.
Two other Newcastle residents have reportedly been scammed from the same group and another victim from as far as Edenvale.
In light of this, Newcastle SAPS has issued a stern warning to residents to be vigilant and not fall victim to such scams.
SAPS Communications Spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam said that scammers target unsuspecting victims through social media.
“Residents should not shop online or purchase items from WhatsApp groups if the supplier is not known to you. The biggest threat with regard to cybercrime is the fact that communication, be it through social media or e-mail is done anonymously, this makes it difficult to gauge the persons true identity and their intentions,” she said.
Here are some tips to keep you safe during your interaction with the online world :
– Use strong passwords on all your accounts – short/weak passwords can be by-passed very easily rendering your system open.
– Use a trusted and updated anti-virus program on your computer as well as your cellphone.
– Do not visit questionable websites.
– Heed the warnings issued by banks. Remember that banks will never ask for your identity number, banking details or pin codes etc.
– Do not shop online if the supplier is not known or trusted. Never do an online transaction in a non-secure environment.
– If you correspond with somebody on social media, make sure that you check the person’s credentials or claims. Children should never correspond online with people they do not know or whose identity have not been verified.
– Companies or institutions who transfer large amounts of money between banks, should always verify the recipient’s banking detail by phone after receiving such detail by e-mail.
– Remember that the internet is full of scams. Do not spend your hard earned money on ‘the bargain of a lifetime’ before you have verified the existence of the items that you wish to purchase. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
– Residents must be vigilant and always keep their pins and passwords safe in order to avoid fraud, theft and other criminal activities.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam ,kindly contact SAPS on 08600 10111 or 10111 to register a case. The Cyber Crime Unit will be contacted by SAPS members to assist the investigation team.
Have you been scammed? Contact Spotlight On Newcastle. We would like to hear your story.