Interpol has warned of online scams targeting unsuspecting job seekers in South Africa.
Interpol, through its National Central Bureau (NCB) office in Pretoria, has issued a warning about the “inaccurate and The organization said it had flagged “false reporting.”
“In an article headlined “Take your first steps to South Africa’s Interpol”, inaccurate salary figures are grossly inflated and exaggerated. Interpol South Africa is therefore taking this opportunity to Educate the public about Interpol’s mission and recruitment process,” Interpol said.
“The NCB, with its office in Pretoria, is the lead agency of the South African Police Service (SAPS) responsible for cross-border police investigations relating to South Africa. A source of international intelligence information that enables you to respond.
“It is staffed by trained police officers and support staff who joined SAPS through the relevant recruitment process.
“Interpol SA urges the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling for any recruitment scams. Such activity should be reported to the Crime Prevention Hotline number (086) 001 0111.”
Meanwhile, SAPS administrators in the North West region have urged the public to be careful when responding to social media advertisements, saying criminals have come up with a number of tricks to deceive citizens.
“This warning stems from a number of scams using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp ads that have been circulating in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda area since the beginning of this month.” SAPS made the announcement last week.
In one of the recently reported incidents, a 35-year-old victim responded to an ad for a combo for sale on Facebook, SAPS said.
He then contacted the advertiser and a meeting was arranged in Klerksdorp, where potential buyers met the seller and test drove the car.
The next day it was agreed that the buyer would pay R91,000 for the Kombi and meet the seller at Wolmaranstad to complete the transaction.
“The buyer, accompanied by a friend, met the seller at Wolmaranstad as agreed and took the Kombi for a second test drive. They stopped seven men to get into the car, but in the end They overpowered the buyer and his friend, tied them up, robbed them of their cash and mobile phones, and dropped them off on the side of the road in Vollmaranstad.
“The public is therefore urged to be wary of advertisements on social media, to contact the nearest police station if they feel suspicious, and to refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or paying in cash when making transactions. “They are advised to choose e-money instead of transferring money,” SAPS said.
