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Warning:
Ruthless scammers target pensioners with bank impersonation scam and steal more than R400,000.00 in one instance.
MODUS OPERANDI:
In a disturbing new scam, a ruthless criminal gang has been targeting vulnerable pensioners by posing as bank representatives.
In one recent case, an unemployed pensioner was tricked into believing his bank account was compromised and his hard-earned pension was at risk of being stolen.
The scam began when the victim received a text message, allegedly from his bank, informing him of irregularities on his account and the potential for someone to access his pension funds.
The scam escalated when the pensioner received a phone call from a number that appeared to be the fraud department of his bank.
A recorded message was played, warning that all calls would be recorded for security reasons, further convincing the victim that the call was legitimate.
He was then transferred to an "operator," who asked him a series of security questions. The operator claimed that there had been suspicious activity on his account and urged him to act quickly to prevent the theft of his pension.
In a state of panic and believing he was speaking to an official bank representative, the pensioner was guided to create a beneficiary on his account - using his own name but the fraudster's bank account number.
The scammers even instructed him not to visit the bank until the morning, suggesting that it could be an inside job.
After the distressing call, the pensioner was relieved to think his pension was safe.
He phoned his wife to explain what had happened, only to alarm her as well.
Concerned for both of their accounts, the pensioner decided to call the bank directly, realising that he should take further steps to safeguard his wife's accounts as well.
These criminals prey on ordinary, hard-working people who have spent their lives saving for their pensions,
only to have it ripped away by unscrupulous scammers.
The expert SSS cyber investigation team have taken charge of the case and is working diligently
to track down those responsible.
We are optimistic that a favourable outcome will follow.
SAFETY MEASURES TO AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO BANK SCAMS:
Never trust unsolicited messages.
Be cautious of any unsolicited SMS, email, or phone call claiming to be from your bank or financial institution.
Always verify the message directly with your bank using official contact details.
Never share personal information, PINs, passwords, or security answers over the phone or through text messages, especially if you did not initiate the contact.
If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and call your bank's official number directly to verify the claim.
Do not use any contact details provided in the suspicious message.
Set up extra security alerts.
Many banks offer additional security measures, such as alerts for large transactions or changes to your account details.
Make use of these services to monitor activity on your accounts.
If you have elderly relatives, take the time to educate them about these types of scams.
Help them recognise warning signs and encourage them to always double-check with trusted sources before acting on any suspicious communication.
SSS urges pensioners' children to take an active role in educating their parents about these scams.
Preventing them from falling victim to such fraud can protect their savings and provide peace of mind in these trying times.
PREVIOUS SSS WARNING POSTS:
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-banking-fraud-on-the-increase
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-knocks-and-scams-bank-scams
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-cyber-attacks-on-south-africa-s-banking-industry
https://www.mikebolhuis.co.za/post/project-protecting-our-elderly-against-cyber-criminals
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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The best thing to do, is say I'm in the bank right and I will verify with them. The SCUM immediately drop the call and phone someone else. It's a disgusting state our country has become. Very sad indeed