Sydenham SAPS is warning the public to remain vigilant about common scams used by criminals to defraud unsuspecting victims. These schemes, known as modus operandi, are designed to exploit trust and create panic.
Sergeant Simo Jili, communications officer at Sydenham SAPS, said: “One common scam involves victims receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank consultant from the fraud department. The caller warns of supposed fraudulent transactions on the victim’s bank account, causing the victim to panic. “The caller then instructs the victim to log into their banking app to block the transactions and asks them to share their One-Time Pin (OTP). While the victim follows these instructions, the caller and their syndicate gain access to the victim’s account and drain their funds. Elderly individuals are often the primary targets of this scam.
“To prevent falling victim to this scam, always verify if the call is genuinely from your bank. If uncertain, hang up and call your bank using official contact details. Never share your bank PIN or OTP, as banks will never ask for this information. Enable two-factor authentication for additional account security,” said Jili.
He added that another scam involves suspects posting fake advertisements for rental accommodation or houses on Facebook. “Victims communicate with the advertiser and are asked to pay a deposit to secure the property. A fake lease agreement is often provided to make the scam appear legitimate. When the victim attempts to move into the accommodation, they find it is already occupied, and the advertiser becomes unreachable.
“To avoid being scammed in this way, always use certified property agencies when searching for accommodation. View the property in person before making any payments, and if possible, speak to neighbours to confirm details about the property,” he added.
Jili also took the opportunity to recognise a police constable from Sydenham SAPS. He said: “Constable Khanyile displayed heroic action after a woman was pickpocketed, and her mobile phone was stolen. Fortunately, the ‘Find My iPhone’ feature on her device was activated. The victim reported the theft to Sydenham SAPS, and Constable Khanyile promptly responded. Using the victim’s laptop, the officer tracked the stolen phone to the Randles Road area. Upon approaching the location, Constable Khanyile noticed two suspicious men who fled upon seeing him. The officer gave chase, apprehended both suspects, and recovered the stolen phone, returning it to the grateful victim.
“The woman praised Constable Khanyile, calling him a ‘true hero’ for his swift and effective action,” Jili added.
The Sydenham SAPS reminds residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity promptly. Officers are committed to protecting the community and ensuring their safety. For crime-related emergencies or to report suspicious activities, contact Crime Stop at 0860 10111.
