Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner warns community to be wary of ATM and social media scams

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga has urged the public to be cautious and vigilant when using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as to be alert when buying items through social media or when using online platforms. This comes after several cases of fraud have been reported recently.

A total of three such matters were reported at Vosman. In the first incident, a man indicated that he was using an ATM at the local shopping complex when two unknown men distracted him, he then received a notification moments later of two withdrawals from his account. He then reported the matter to the police.

A few days later another similar case was reported. The victim indicated that he asked an unknown man to assist him at the ATM in the same shopping complex. After he inserted the card the suspect pressed one of the buttons as they were waiting for the money to be dispensed. The suspect then quickly removed the card and fled. The victim managed to stop the card however, an undisclosed amount of cash had already been withdrawn from his account.

In another incident still at Vosman, a man deposited a large amount of cash into the account of an unknown man who “sells” cars through social media. The man then realised that he has been scammed after he was asked by the seller for another deposit. He then reported the matter to the police.

All these cases are currently under investigation, therefore, police call on members of the public with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Colonel One Thobejane at 082 372 2195, or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via My SAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla has urged the community to be vigilant and wary of such scams by taking safety and security precautions.