The main purpose of this page is help warn the public about cybercrime threats or scams. The idea is also to encourage the public to always report any incidents and suspicious activity to the authorities.
Reporting helps stop any scam right in it tracks.
Reporting helps stop any scam right in it tracks.
The general rule of thumb is to never ever open attachments or click on links from any suspicious emails received.
Failure to adhere to precautions may lead to your computers and devices being hijacked or infected with a malware.
DO NOT RESPOND OR ENTERTAIN SCAMMERS
Failure to adhere to precautions may lead to your computers and devices being hijacked or infected with a malware.
DO NOT RESPOND OR ENTERTAIN SCAMMERS
report scams & cybercRIme to the following authorities
- RESERVE BANK
- SABRIC
- CYBERSECURITY HUB
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has also embarked on a national campaign to raise public awareness on illegal deposit-taking and advance-fee schemes.
Test your investment with our easy to use tool. Avoid Pyramid and Ponzi Schemes. Ensure you are making wise investments with Easy Come Easy Go
Test your investment with our easy to use tool. Avoid Pyramid and Ponzi Schemes. Ensure you are making wise investments with Easy Come Easy Go
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) is a Non Profit Company formed by the four major Banks to assist the Banking and Cash in transit companies combat organised bank-related crimes. We aim to be Africa’s trusted financial crime risk information centre leveraging on strategic partnerships.
SABRIC keeps you informed about the latest banking scams and fraudster activity to make sure that you don't end up as a statistic.
SABRIC keeps you informed about the latest banking scams and fraudster activity to make sure that you don't end up as a statistic.
In the Republic of South Africa: "The National Cybersecurity Hub has been established to serve as a central point for collaboration between industry, government and civil society on all Cybersecurity related incidents in South Africa." - Honourable Dr. Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of Telecommunications and Postal Services.
This is where you can report any incident of cybercrime such as: Phishing, Malware, Vulnerabilities, etc.
This is where you can report any incident of cybercrime such as: Phishing, Malware, Vulnerabilities, etc.
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Cybercrime has become one of the leading ways of stealing all sorts of information and money. Even beyond that, cybercrime involves compromising and damaging devices and IT hardware. Cybercrime in most cases simply relies on manufacturing Scams and luring unsuspecting people. Cybercrime basically thrives through negligence, complacency, greed, laziness and last but not least, stupidity.
What the public should know and understand is that with technology and the internet being readily available, exposure is high and the risk factor is forever present. SCAMS are not only limited to cybercrime. There is bank card skimming, ATM crime, Investment Opportunities scams, Inheritance scams, Black market dollars, 419 scams etc. The sections that follow bellow give more information on scams and where to report such crimes. You will remain anonymous at all times. |
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This page is dedicated to all the law enforcement personnel, agencies, investigators, informers and whistleblowers who risk their lives daily to keep the public safe all across the world.
Last, but not least it also dedicated to the people who got scammed and decided to report their misfortunes. Without them we would not know about the dangers that lurk in our midst. They overcame embarrassment and put their pride and dignity aside to warn others. Be thankful to their courage, knowing very well you are not a victim because they were the first in line in the fight against crime and had to suffer losses so others could be safe. |
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- Email Scams
- ATM Crime
- Credit Card Crime
- Money Scams
- Pyramid Schemes
- Forex Scams
email scams
Beware of attachments on emails offering you opportunities.
The attachment or PDF is simply malware or spyware designed to infiltrate your computers or devices. Once you click to open the attachment, the malware or spyware takes control of your computer or device.
From here the sender of the email is able to steal your sensitive information like login details, files and take control of your business and social activity. Banking details are a priority for hackers and files they may use to blackmail you.
Some hackers will LOCK your computer/device and make it inaccessible until you pay a ransom.
Any email received may not necessarily come from a reputable institution.
Hackers are able to hide their yahoo, gmail, webmail etc. emails behind corporate names. The trick is to move your computer or device cursor to hover over the name of the sender and you will find that the sender is using a simple email account registered online.
No banking institution, government department or entity uses yahoo, webmail etc.
Always double check with the relevant institutions via their websites and official telephone numbers as per their websites and telephone directories.
Be extra careful on how you share or give your personal email address.
PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY 086 FAX NUMBERS AS THEY ARE FREELY AVAILABLE ONLINE
If you receive a suspicious email. DON NOT ENTERTAIN THE SENDER. Simply DELETE IT !!!
The attachment or PDF is simply malware or spyware designed to infiltrate your computers or devices. Once you click to open the attachment, the malware or spyware takes control of your computer or device.
From here the sender of the email is able to steal your sensitive information like login details, files and take control of your business and social activity. Banking details are a priority for hackers and files they may use to blackmail you.
Some hackers will LOCK your computer/device and make it inaccessible until you pay a ransom.
Any email received may not necessarily come from a reputable institution.
Hackers are able to hide their yahoo, gmail, webmail etc. emails behind corporate names. The trick is to move your computer or device cursor to hover over the name of the sender and you will find that the sender is using a simple email account registered online.
No banking institution, government department or entity uses yahoo, webmail etc.
Always double check with the relevant institutions via their websites and official telephone numbers as per their websites and telephone directories.
Be extra careful on how you share or give your personal email address.
PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY 086 FAX NUMBERS AS THEY ARE FREELY AVAILABLE ONLINE
If you receive a suspicious email. DON NOT ENTERTAIN THE SENDER. Simply DELETE IT !!!
FAKE PURCHASE ORDER SCAMS
FAKE PURCHASE ORDER SCAMS
A lot of businesses are being defrauded by criminal syndicates operating across the country. These syndicates are well organised and are able to infiltrate supply chain information with and get your details. In some cases it is the work of unscrupulous officials who leak the information to the criminals.
Once the criminals have information like email addresses and phone numbers, they will then start contacting their targeted victims.
Emails are sent out and calls are made. The emails will ask for a quotation for goods to be supplied. Sometimes it can be a call or a fax. The criminals normally ask ladies to do the calling. Most of the calls will appear as private numbers.
The criminals are mostly interested in electronic goods such as the latest Apple and Samsung products. However it is not limited to those two premium products or just electronics.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS FOR EVERY BUSINESS OR PERSON IS TO VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE REQUEST.
Do not be fooled by the email, as it may come from a free email server such as gmail, ymail, webmail, outlook etc. Closely inspect the email address as it may appear to be legit from a particular department or entity. Move your cursor over the senders name or email address, and it will reveal the real email address hidden behind the bogus one.
Another simple way is to click reply and you will see where exactly the email is being sent. ( Check, but do not send the reply). Do not be fooled by the professional email signature at the bottom or the department logos. Those are not a challenge to add for criminals. The idea behind the email signature convince the receiver and stop you from double checking the sender email address.
CRIMINALS ARE ALSO ABLE TO USE FAKE DOMAIN NAMES THEY EASILY BUY OVER THE INTERNET.
USE THE LINKS WE HAVE PROVIDED FOR EVERY LISTED ENTITY FROM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, OR SIMPLY USE GOOGLE TO VERIFY DOMAINS.
SOME CRIMINALS ARE ALSO ABLE TO HIJACK LEGITIMATE EMAIL DOMAINS. SO ALWAYS CHECK THOROUGHLY ON THE EMAILS ORIGINS AND "REPLY" ADDRESS.
NOTE: Criminals are also registering their own domains and can make the addresses to look similar to those of government.
The callers always sound polite and professional. However this should not fool you. Do verification on your side. Get as much information as possible.
The scammers answer their phones as if they are in supply chain. The listed number on the email is normally on the “012” Pretoria code as this is the seat of government. The trick here is to go on the internet on the official website and verify that number against the official department numbers.
Listen carefully to the ringing tone of the supplied number.
Criminals simply divert landline calls to a cellphone on a network that has a similar ringing tone to that of a landline. Some are lazy enough to divert it to another cellphone network with a clear mobile ringing tone. Call the number after hours or call it from two or more phones simultaneously and the mobile network voicemail will be activated. This is a clear warning of a scam. The exercise can be demanding. The alternative is to ignore the email and not risk your money.
KEEP IN MIND THAT CRIMINALS WANT YOUR MONEY AND IT IS FOR YOU TO KEEP IT SAFE.
Not every call will be from criminals, however remember that government has set procurement rules. Anything below R30 000, needs 3 quotations. Goods, above R30 000 go out to TENDER. The process of tendering is not just a few phone calls and then your company wins the tender. There are site meetings, paperwork, and verification involved.
So anything quick is bogus.
Sometimes criminals will claim to be from a department that your company is not even registered with.
That is enough to sound the alarm bells.
For a vigilant company, contact with the criminals should end as soon as the bogus email is exposed or learning something about the call. Do not be excited about the prospect of making money.
Criminals feed on that greed or simply put, stupid expectations.
Some people may have time to entertain the criminals, but remember that this is putting your money at risk. Criminals will start to find to find ways around your defences.
You will receive an email or call awarding you whatever you believe to have quoted or tendered for. From this point the criminals will pressure you to deliver the goods in a short prescribed time with the threat of cancelling the order if you fail to deliver on time.
If you have been fooled into believing that the purchase order is legitimate because of the official logo and names on it. Remember that this may be a very advanced syndicate and being excited can cloud ones judgement.
No Matter How Exciting The Prospect Of Making Money From Government Becomes. ALWAYS VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE PURCHASE ORDER.
In many cases criminals target people who are far from a particular place where they want the goods delivered. This works with the short time frame they give for delivery. Between the awarding and delivery time for you to travel to their said delivery “Offices” prevents you from making verification.
IF YOU MUST DRIVE TO THAT DEPARTMENT AND ASK TO MEET THAT PARTICULAR PERSON/S BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK OF BUYING THE GOODS TO BE SUPPLIED.
1. DO NOT ALLOW FOR STREET MEETINGS.
2. DO NOT MEET IN OFFICE PARKING LOTS.
3. GO DISCRETELY TO THE RECEPTION WHERE YOU WILL ASK FOR SECURITY OR RECEPTIONIST TO CALL THAT INDIVIDUAL.
4. DO NOT GIVE THEM THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CAR OR YOUR DESCRIPTION AS YOU ARE GOING TO THE OFFICE.
5. DO NOT LET SOMEONE STOP YOU AT RECEPTION CLAIMING TO BE THE PERSON YOU ARE THERE TO MEET.
6. LET THE MEETING HAPPEN INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT OFFICES BEYOND THE RECEPTION WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN SIGNED INTO THE BUILDING. THE MEETING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN BOARDROOM OR OFFICE. NOT IN AN ISOLATED OFFICE SPACE. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL THE STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT.
7. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK THE PERSON FOR OFFICIAL PROOF OF THE AWARDED CONTRACT AS WELL AS THEIR IDENTIFICATION.
8. ANYTHING LESS IS A SCAM AND, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN IF YOU FAIL TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURENTS!
The best way of being vigilant is ignoring this email and adding them to you email spam folder list. Identify the calls and ignore them.
DO NOT TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. REPORT CRIME TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.
These scams are not limited to any department, city or province. The criminals are all over and looking for naïve and unsuspecting victims.
YOU MAY HAVE BEN A VICTIM OR ALMOST BECAME ONE. SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE WITH OTHERS AS THERE IS NO SHAME IN STOPPING CRIME.
A LOT OF BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND SOME HAVE BEEN RUINED.
DO NOT BE THE NEXT VICTIM. BE VIGILANT.
A lot of businesses are being defrauded by criminal syndicates operating across the country. These syndicates are well organised and are able to infiltrate supply chain information with and get your details. In some cases it is the work of unscrupulous officials who leak the information to the criminals.
Once the criminals have information like email addresses and phone numbers, they will then start contacting their targeted victims.
Emails are sent out and calls are made. The emails will ask for a quotation for goods to be supplied. Sometimes it can be a call or a fax. The criminals normally ask ladies to do the calling. Most of the calls will appear as private numbers.
The criminals are mostly interested in electronic goods such as the latest Apple and Samsung products. However it is not limited to those two premium products or just electronics.
THE BOTTOM LINE IS FOR EVERY BUSINESS OR PERSON IS TO VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE REQUEST.
Do not be fooled by the email, as it may come from a free email server such as gmail, ymail, webmail, outlook etc. Closely inspect the email address as it may appear to be legit from a particular department or entity. Move your cursor over the senders name or email address, and it will reveal the real email address hidden behind the bogus one.
Another simple way is to click reply and you will see where exactly the email is being sent. ( Check, but do not send the reply). Do not be fooled by the professional email signature at the bottom or the department logos. Those are not a challenge to add for criminals. The idea behind the email signature convince the receiver and stop you from double checking the sender email address.
CRIMINALS ARE ALSO ABLE TO USE FAKE DOMAIN NAMES THEY EASILY BUY OVER THE INTERNET.
USE THE LINKS WE HAVE PROVIDED FOR EVERY LISTED ENTITY FROM NATIONAL GOVERNMENT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, OR SIMPLY USE GOOGLE TO VERIFY DOMAINS.
SOME CRIMINALS ARE ALSO ABLE TO HIJACK LEGITIMATE EMAIL DOMAINS. SO ALWAYS CHECK THOROUGHLY ON THE EMAILS ORIGINS AND "REPLY" ADDRESS.
NOTE: Criminals are also registering their own domains and can make the addresses to look similar to those of government.
The callers always sound polite and professional. However this should not fool you. Do verification on your side. Get as much information as possible.
The scammers answer their phones as if they are in supply chain. The listed number on the email is normally on the “012” Pretoria code as this is the seat of government. The trick here is to go on the internet on the official website and verify that number against the official department numbers.
Listen carefully to the ringing tone of the supplied number.
Criminals simply divert landline calls to a cellphone on a network that has a similar ringing tone to that of a landline. Some are lazy enough to divert it to another cellphone network with a clear mobile ringing tone. Call the number after hours or call it from two or more phones simultaneously and the mobile network voicemail will be activated. This is a clear warning of a scam. The exercise can be demanding. The alternative is to ignore the email and not risk your money.
KEEP IN MIND THAT CRIMINALS WANT YOUR MONEY AND IT IS FOR YOU TO KEEP IT SAFE.
Not every call will be from criminals, however remember that government has set procurement rules. Anything below R30 000, needs 3 quotations. Goods, above R30 000 go out to TENDER. The process of tendering is not just a few phone calls and then your company wins the tender. There are site meetings, paperwork, and verification involved.
So anything quick is bogus.
Sometimes criminals will claim to be from a department that your company is not even registered with.
That is enough to sound the alarm bells.
For a vigilant company, contact with the criminals should end as soon as the bogus email is exposed or learning something about the call. Do not be excited about the prospect of making money.
Criminals feed on that greed or simply put, stupid expectations.
Some people may have time to entertain the criminals, but remember that this is putting your money at risk. Criminals will start to find to find ways around your defences.
You will receive an email or call awarding you whatever you believe to have quoted or tendered for. From this point the criminals will pressure you to deliver the goods in a short prescribed time with the threat of cancelling the order if you fail to deliver on time.
If you have been fooled into believing that the purchase order is legitimate because of the official logo and names on it. Remember that this may be a very advanced syndicate and being excited can cloud ones judgement.
No Matter How Exciting The Prospect Of Making Money From Government Becomes. ALWAYS VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE PURCHASE ORDER.
In many cases criminals target people who are far from a particular place where they want the goods delivered. This works with the short time frame they give for delivery. Between the awarding and delivery time for you to travel to their said delivery “Offices” prevents you from making verification.
IF YOU MUST DRIVE TO THAT DEPARTMENT AND ASK TO MEET THAT PARTICULAR PERSON/S BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK OF BUYING THE GOODS TO BE SUPPLIED.
1. DO NOT ALLOW FOR STREET MEETINGS.
2. DO NOT MEET IN OFFICE PARKING LOTS.
3. GO DISCRETELY TO THE RECEPTION WHERE YOU WILL ASK FOR SECURITY OR RECEPTIONIST TO CALL THAT INDIVIDUAL.
4. DO NOT GIVE THEM THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CAR OR YOUR DESCRIPTION AS YOU ARE GOING TO THE OFFICE.
5. DO NOT LET SOMEONE STOP YOU AT RECEPTION CLAIMING TO BE THE PERSON YOU ARE THERE TO MEET.
6. LET THE MEETING HAPPEN INSIDE THE DEPARTMENT OFFICES BEYOND THE RECEPTION WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN SIGNED INTO THE BUILDING. THE MEETING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN BOARDROOM OR OFFICE. NOT IN AN ISOLATED OFFICE SPACE. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH ALL THE STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT.
7. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK THE PERSON FOR OFFICIAL PROOF OF THE AWARDED CONTRACT AS WELL AS THEIR IDENTIFICATION.
8. ANYTHING LESS IS A SCAM AND, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN IF YOU FAIL TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURENTS!
The best way of being vigilant is ignoring this email and adding them to you email spam folder list. Identify the calls and ignore them.
DO NOT TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS. REPORT CRIME TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES.
These scams are not limited to any department, city or province. The criminals are all over and looking for naïve and unsuspecting victims.
YOU MAY HAVE BEN A VICTIM OR ALMOST BECAME ONE. SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE WITH OTHERS AS THERE IS NO SHAME IN STOPPING CRIME.
A LOT OF BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN SCAMMED AND SOME HAVE BEEN RUINED.
DO NOT BE THE NEXT VICTIM. BE VIGILANT.
ATM Crime is prevalent and often targeted at people who are not extra cautious. On its own the ATM is like a door into millions of bank accounts. Each bank card is like a key to that door provided the pin code is known. Scammers basically need the caed and its detailed which include the pin to access any account.
The main method used by ATM fraudsters is distractions. They do it in many ways. So the main thing precaution to follow at the ATM is to be extra careful and vigilant. ATM fraudsters are extremely quick and can swap an unsuspecting victims bank card in just a second.
Beyond just stealing bank cards criminals are innovative and allow technology to do their dirty work. They will often use caed skimmers or cameras to steal bank card details. This are concealed or disguised right in from of the unsuspected victims eyes.
Below is a gallery of devices used by scammers to steal bank card information. Please report any suspicious activity to the security guards or quickly notify the police.
- Do not accept any assistance or entertain any unnecessary interaction at the ATM.
- Beware of your surroundings and pay close attention to everything.
- Do not rush into inserting your bank card and punching in your pin number.
- Always inspect the card slot for any dodgy material or devices placed on it or next to it.
- Inspect the keypad and make sure that it has not been tempered with
- Beware of any unnecessary stuff like promotional or information material boxes on the ATM. They may be a hidden camera inside the box
- Never let anyone distract you while you are using the ATM.
- Should your bank card get stuck inside the ATM, do not let the strangers loitering about to help you retrieve it.
- If the bank card is stuck do not try to punch in your pin code again.
- Call your bank while your wait at the ATM and have the cards cancelled.
Beyond just stealing bank cards criminals are innovative and allow technology to do their dirty work. They will often use caed skimmers or cameras to steal bank card details. This are concealed or disguised right in from of the unsuspected victims eyes.
Below is a gallery of devices used by scammers to steal bank card information. Please report any suspicious activity to the security guards or quickly notify the police.
Money scams have been around for a while and like any other scam they mainly rely on greed. However confidentiality between the scammers and victims is what makes this scam thrive. Normally people are secretive about the amount of money they have and it is often a person or people close to them (that know a lot about the victim) that introduces them to the scammers.
In some cases the scammers send emails to the intended victims to lure them into "growing their money".
The popular money scams are Black Dollars, Multiplying Money and Fake Wills.
In some cases the scammers send emails to the intended victims to lure them into "growing their money".
The popular money scams are Black Dollars, Multiplying Money and Fake Wills.
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Black Dollars Scam
With Black Dollars, the scammers will approach their target or victim with a dollar bill they have covered with a black powder. In front of the target, the scammers will demonstrate with a black paper with the size of money bills. They will pour a liquid on the paper washing of the black powder to reveal a genuine dollar bill hidden below the power. The targeted victim will obviously be fascinated by the process. With this excitement the scammers will tell the target that they can also make a fortune purchasing the black dollars worth millions for a nominal fee which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions. The scammers will claim to have a trunk/suitcase full of black dollars they need to clean with a special chemical. A normal story is that the dollars were smuggled from a certain country using the black ink to prevent any detection by the authorities. Black ink was essential in the whole concealment of the "money". So they will ask the target to help buy they special chemicals and they can all share the loot. Should the victim agree to hand them they money which is normally at a later date. Then the dollars will be delivered with the chemicals and the now victim who has parted with money can clean their own share. Being very smart, the scammers will tell the victim to wait for a few days before attempting to clean the dollars because the chemical needs time. |
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With this, provided that the victim complies. It means that the scammers have bought enough time to disappear and be untraceable with the victims money. By the time the victim tries to wash the dollars, he/she will discover that the "Black Dollars" are just pieces of paper covered in dye and worthless.
Reporting the matter to the authorities is still encouraged because this will help warn other possible targets/victims, and in some cases diligent investigations help find the perpetrators.
Multiplying Money Scam
Multiplying of money is a scam where victims are told to place money in a certain place (not even a bank), and wait for a certain persons for it to multiply. There are no maximum limits to how much money is needed for multiplying. However there minimum amount wanted by the scammers starts in the 6 figures territory (R250 000 upwards). Again this is a scam where the targeted victim is being sold out about somebody who knows about their financial standing. In recent times thus scam has been targeting people who have received their retirement funds (which sometimes reach and surpass R1million). The funds may not necessarily be enough for what the recipient may want to purchase or invest in and in some cases people are just undecided. Money does not only change the recipients. It also changes those around them. When money is in the bank, it can only be accessed by the recipient and this may frustrate those who want it. This is when the target will receive a call or email advising them of some healer or miracle man who can help multiply their money. In some cases the idea is passed on to the target by somebody they know and trust.
Arrangements are made to go meet the people who will make the money multiply through prayer, healing and other ways the target finds convincing. The conman or they people who can multiply normally work in buildings, houses with rental spaces or semi rundown locations.
Some victims are told that the money will multiply up to 4 times to make the scam seem rather realistic. To be more convincing during discussions. The target will be shown a trunk or large suitcase filled with genuine money (R200, R100 & R50 notes), which is intact money from another successful scam (Such scammers do not use banks as they need to avoid FICA & SARS). It is usually a min blowing amount as they target may have +/- R1 million in the bank, but they have never seen that in notes. Bank balance from their bank statements and sms notifications is all they have seen. They sight of money may persuade the target to start falling for the scam. He/she may agree to withdraw their entire saving or a very large portion and hand it to the scammers to multiply inside a trunk/suitcase over an agreed period. The scammers are also aware that large withdrawals at he bank may also attract other criminals and in some cases, they will assist with security after the withdrawal making sure that the money goes directly to their place after withdrawal. Scammers play a very patient game when they want all that money. where there are bank limits for withdrawals they will gladly help with the next withdrawal keeping an eye on the targets balance, to make sure that the account is "cleaned out". If they see that the target is be cautious with the money he/she is withdrawing. The healer or prayer guy will be informed by the bank escorts about remaining funds in advance. This is where he/she will claim that the spirits that multiply the money are angry because some of the money is missing. therefore the money ritual cannot happen unless everything is withdrawn. For some victims, this may sound the alarm bells and they may report the matter. For some greed and wishful thinking take over any form of common sense. The agreed period for the money to "multiply" can range from 1 night to several weeks. As soon as the victim leaves the place, the scammers have long prepared their escape and the victim will never see them or his/her money again.
No matter how embarrassing or humiliating it is always wise to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The scam is normally carried out by a syndicate and investigations are always bound to uncover more role-players and cash provided the victim reports the matter. One lesson that can be learned here is that banks are there to keep your money and they can only offer you interest on savings. That is hard earned money and one should always be extra careful and approach proper wealth/financial advisors on investing their money. Banks offer such services. Retirement money should be used wisely as in some cases it is the last lump sum amount some people will ever receive in for what remains of their lives. R1 million might be able to buy a dream house/car, but one realizes that there is nothing left after the purchase. Rather renovate your old house or buy a new functional car for a far lower amount. There is nobody out there who can multiply that money for you to be able to buy everything you ever wanted, and still have more money saved and lying around somewhere. It is wishful thinking.
FAKE WILLS
The inheritance money scam is a classic phishing scam that basically exploits peoples greed above anything. This is worldwide and relies on using emails. Basically the scammers send emails to thousands of people across the world in the phishing expedition. To some extent this scam is well known across the world, but there are people who nevertheless fall for it.
Basically the scam was about people in certain mineral rich countries or countries experiencing war and unrest. The author of the email will claim to be the heir to a wealthy father who has just passed on or incarcerated in that particular for political reasons. To lure the victims into the web of deceit. the author will claim to be the rightful beneficiary to a will of staggering amounts which is normally in Dollars ($). The amount can be start at $50 million all the way up to billions of dollars depending on the scammer's profile of the target. From revealing the amount that is to be inherited, scammers then move on to asking for assistance to clear the money. Details of the amounts needed to retrieve the inheritance money are normally shared with the people who entertain the emails with responses.
Since this is a phishing scam, responding means that the scammers have hooked their fish and they now have to reel it in. What happens next is for the scammers to ask the sometimes sympathetic unsuspecting targets to assist them with certain amounts to make sure that the inherited money is released by the purported bank. As already stated, the scammers will try and find out about how much money they can get from the target. To just clear $20 million the scammer may ask the target to assist with maybe $200 000 or more. The story given is that the money will help clear the money or help transfer it to an offshore account where the repressive regime of that country will not be able to find it. Sometimes they claim that the cleared money will all be transferred to the targets bank account for safe keeping in their country. Some syndicates may also assure their intended victim to meet their brother, friend, cousin etc who is living in the same country as the target. The person being met will obviously be of foreign and be there to "authenticate" the same story the"heir" told. By this stage the scammers have already prepared fraudulent documents which make their claim look legitimate. Scammers will forge any document they want to use for their benefit. But with the barrage of emails and sometimes of calls, the target starts feeling sorry for the "heir". Such scammers rely on current affairs and will use the name of the country and its prominent rich people's names to try scam people. Intended targets also become desperate to help when they see the news showing exactly what is happening in other places. This is when they also fail to scrutinize the documents sent by the scammers. Bigger than sympathy from the targets weakness in the scheme is pure greed. The Scammers usually promise to share their inheritance with the scammer should they get assistance. The reward from just the $20 million could be as much as $5 million dollars, which is the stuff of fairytales and a magnificent return for just $200 000 invested.
Should the target agree to help and deposit the money to an account given by the scammers. This is the last he/she will ever hear from them unless the scammers know that they can trick their victim out of more. By the time the money is meant to be deposited into the victims account, the scammers may call again and claim that "there has been a problem." The "problem" will be a made up story about more money being needed to clear the funds. The scammers will keep doing this until they "clean" their victim.
Some victims have got lucky to realize that they are being duped and quickly report the matter to their local police who in-turn work with their international counterparts to trace and arrest the perpetrators. In some cases this may not be possible as some victims never report the crime committed on time. The lesson here is that people should not trust strangers with their money and believe in get rich quick schemes. In the event of a coup or unrest in any country money becomes the focal point for any regime. Banks will be monitored and bank accounts will be frozen. Large amounts of money will be traced and any monies kept in developed world countries banks will be moved under strict rules.
As stated above this inheritance scam is old. However it is evolving and scammers are reinventing themselves. The new emails are no longer about fallen regimes and heirs asking for help. They now claim that the recipient of the email is the actual sole living heir identified by the wealthy deceased relative living in another country. Once the recipient entertains the email out of curiosity and ultimately greed the scammers then use the same money clearance or fee tricks to scam their target.
Ignore and delete such emails and where possible block the sender using your spam filter email options.
Reporting the matter to the authorities is still encouraged because this will help warn other possible targets/victims, and in some cases diligent investigations help find the perpetrators.
Multiplying Money Scam
Multiplying of money is a scam where victims are told to place money in a certain place (not even a bank), and wait for a certain persons for it to multiply. There are no maximum limits to how much money is needed for multiplying. However there minimum amount wanted by the scammers starts in the 6 figures territory (R250 000 upwards). Again this is a scam where the targeted victim is being sold out about somebody who knows about their financial standing. In recent times thus scam has been targeting people who have received their retirement funds (which sometimes reach and surpass R1million). The funds may not necessarily be enough for what the recipient may want to purchase or invest in and in some cases people are just undecided. Money does not only change the recipients. It also changes those around them. When money is in the bank, it can only be accessed by the recipient and this may frustrate those who want it. This is when the target will receive a call or email advising them of some healer or miracle man who can help multiply their money. In some cases the idea is passed on to the target by somebody they know and trust.
Arrangements are made to go meet the people who will make the money multiply through prayer, healing and other ways the target finds convincing. The conman or they people who can multiply normally work in buildings, houses with rental spaces or semi rundown locations.
Some victims are told that the money will multiply up to 4 times to make the scam seem rather realistic. To be more convincing during discussions. The target will be shown a trunk or large suitcase filled with genuine money (R200, R100 & R50 notes), which is intact money from another successful scam (Such scammers do not use banks as they need to avoid FICA & SARS). It is usually a min blowing amount as they target may have +/- R1 million in the bank, but they have never seen that in notes. Bank balance from their bank statements and sms notifications is all they have seen. They sight of money may persuade the target to start falling for the scam. He/she may agree to withdraw their entire saving or a very large portion and hand it to the scammers to multiply inside a trunk/suitcase over an agreed period. The scammers are also aware that large withdrawals at he bank may also attract other criminals and in some cases, they will assist with security after the withdrawal making sure that the money goes directly to their place after withdrawal. Scammers play a very patient game when they want all that money. where there are bank limits for withdrawals they will gladly help with the next withdrawal keeping an eye on the targets balance, to make sure that the account is "cleaned out". If they see that the target is be cautious with the money he/she is withdrawing. The healer or prayer guy will be informed by the bank escorts about remaining funds in advance. This is where he/she will claim that the spirits that multiply the money are angry because some of the money is missing. therefore the money ritual cannot happen unless everything is withdrawn. For some victims, this may sound the alarm bells and they may report the matter. For some greed and wishful thinking take over any form of common sense. The agreed period for the money to "multiply" can range from 1 night to several weeks. As soon as the victim leaves the place, the scammers have long prepared their escape and the victim will never see them or his/her money again.
No matter how embarrassing or humiliating it is always wise to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The scam is normally carried out by a syndicate and investigations are always bound to uncover more role-players and cash provided the victim reports the matter. One lesson that can be learned here is that banks are there to keep your money and they can only offer you interest on savings. That is hard earned money and one should always be extra careful and approach proper wealth/financial advisors on investing their money. Banks offer such services. Retirement money should be used wisely as in some cases it is the last lump sum amount some people will ever receive in for what remains of their lives. R1 million might be able to buy a dream house/car, but one realizes that there is nothing left after the purchase. Rather renovate your old house or buy a new functional car for a far lower amount. There is nobody out there who can multiply that money for you to be able to buy everything you ever wanted, and still have more money saved and lying around somewhere. It is wishful thinking.
FAKE WILLS
The inheritance money scam is a classic phishing scam that basically exploits peoples greed above anything. This is worldwide and relies on using emails. Basically the scammers send emails to thousands of people across the world in the phishing expedition. To some extent this scam is well known across the world, but there are people who nevertheless fall for it.
Basically the scam was about people in certain mineral rich countries or countries experiencing war and unrest. The author of the email will claim to be the heir to a wealthy father who has just passed on or incarcerated in that particular for political reasons. To lure the victims into the web of deceit. the author will claim to be the rightful beneficiary to a will of staggering amounts which is normally in Dollars ($). The amount can be start at $50 million all the way up to billions of dollars depending on the scammer's profile of the target. From revealing the amount that is to be inherited, scammers then move on to asking for assistance to clear the money. Details of the amounts needed to retrieve the inheritance money are normally shared with the people who entertain the emails with responses.
Since this is a phishing scam, responding means that the scammers have hooked their fish and they now have to reel it in. What happens next is for the scammers to ask the sometimes sympathetic unsuspecting targets to assist them with certain amounts to make sure that the inherited money is released by the purported bank. As already stated, the scammers will try and find out about how much money they can get from the target. To just clear $20 million the scammer may ask the target to assist with maybe $200 000 or more. The story given is that the money will help clear the money or help transfer it to an offshore account where the repressive regime of that country will not be able to find it. Sometimes they claim that the cleared money will all be transferred to the targets bank account for safe keeping in their country. Some syndicates may also assure their intended victim to meet their brother, friend, cousin etc who is living in the same country as the target. The person being met will obviously be of foreign and be there to "authenticate" the same story the"heir" told. By this stage the scammers have already prepared fraudulent documents which make their claim look legitimate. Scammers will forge any document they want to use for their benefit. But with the barrage of emails and sometimes of calls, the target starts feeling sorry for the "heir". Such scammers rely on current affairs and will use the name of the country and its prominent rich people's names to try scam people. Intended targets also become desperate to help when they see the news showing exactly what is happening in other places. This is when they also fail to scrutinize the documents sent by the scammers. Bigger than sympathy from the targets weakness in the scheme is pure greed. The Scammers usually promise to share their inheritance with the scammer should they get assistance. The reward from just the $20 million could be as much as $5 million dollars, which is the stuff of fairytales and a magnificent return for just $200 000 invested.
Should the target agree to help and deposit the money to an account given by the scammers. This is the last he/she will ever hear from them unless the scammers know that they can trick their victim out of more. By the time the money is meant to be deposited into the victims account, the scammers may call again and claim that "there has been a problem." The "problem" will be a made up story about more money being needed to clear the funds. The scammers will keep doing this until they "clean" their victim.
Some victims have got lucky to realize that they are being duped and quickly report the matter to their local police who in-turn work with their international counterparts to trace and arrest the perpetrators. In some cases this may not be possible as some victims never report the crime committed on time. The lesson here is that people should not trust strangers with their money and believe in get rich quick schemes. In the event of a coup or unrest in any country money becomes the focal point for any regime. Banks will be monitored and bank accounts will be frozen. Large amounts of money will be traced and any monies kept in developed world countries banks will be moved under strict rules.
As stated above this inheritance scam is old. However it is evolving and scammers are reinventing themselves. The new emails are no longer about fallen regimes and heirs asking for help. They now claim that the recipient of the email is the actual sole living heir identified by the wealthy deceased relative living in another country. Once the recipient entertains the email out of curiosity and ultimately greed the scammers then use the same money clearance or fee tricks to scam their target.
Ignore and delete such emails and where possible block the sender using your spam filter email options.
This however does not mean you may skip or forgo reporting any cybercrime incidents to the relevant authorities.
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Scammers prey on everyone or device they can infiltrate. Knowledge is power as it allows people to take precautions and keep themselves protected at all times. When people work together and stay informed there is strength in numbers and cooperation. People who run scams hate it when people become aware of their tricks and deception. The sooner we all know about a scam, is the sooner it fizzles out. Please use this section and the form below to send in all relevant information for warning others.
There are many types of online scams or tricks used by criminals, and the following are just examples of how these criminal syndicates operate. As authorities tighten the laws and law enforcement agencies make more arrests. Criminals are also getting craftier. The public has to also be more vigilant as they are the primary targeted victims. The onus is for everybody to be extra careful and spread the message. Our examples here together with reports are focused on crimes targeted at businesses however it is becoming clear that this syndicates are also targeting private individuals. So let us all be extra careful and report all suspicious activity even before it becomes a crime that ruins livelihoods. |
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