File
Port Alfred police are warning the public about a fraud scam doing the rounds and have offered advice on what to do.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mali Govender, in the cases reported so far, scammers claim to be calling from the fraud division of the person’s bank to report that a suspicious transaction has taken place on their account.
Govender said the scammer then informs the person that he can reverse the transaction if they supply the One Time Password (OTP) when logging onto their banking app to complete the process.
It is here that the danger lies, Govender said.
“As soon as the OTP is given to the suspect, the suspect starts to transact on the account, increasing limits, adding beneficiaries and making payments and draining the account.”
“Do not respond and do not supply the OTP,” Govender advises.
The community is urged to take heed of the following:
*Do not respond to these calls. Cut the call immediately and contact your bank on their toll-free numbers if you are uncertain. You can check your account privately.
*Do not give any OTP (One Time Password) over the phone to any individual. Your bank will not ask you for your passwords or an OTP.
Govender said one victim reported losses on Saturday amounting to nearly R70 000.
“Should you be caught in a scam such as this, the bank will not be able to assist you in recovering your loss, as you have furnished your One Time Password (OTP) to the suspect and allowed permission to the suspect to transact on your account.”
