While the country attempts to deal with the real public health issue posed by coronavirus COVID-19, criminals are using this often confusing time to try and scam South Africans.
Here are 3 coronavirus scams to watch out for:
1. Phishing scams. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has warned about criminals attempting to scam people with phishing scams (where criminals try and gain access to your security information). SABRIC has warned that, “These new scams include spoofed emails offering products such as masks, or fake offerings of vaccines, leading to phishing websites. These emails come from seemingly realistic and reputable companies which manipulate people into clicking on links. Some of these websites prompt the user for personal information which ending up in the hands of cybercriminals.
Cybercriminals are also using SMS Phishing, more commonly known as SMishing, to trick victims into clicking on a link disguised as information on a Coronavirus breakout in their area to steal their credentials. Some of these texts claim to provide free masks or pretend to be companies that have experienced delays in deliveries due to the Coronavirus.”
11 tips to avoid social media scams
Cybercriminals will do anything & are exploiting the spread of #covid19SA for their own gain. They are exploiting people’s panic & concerns for their health & safety through social engineering. Please read : https://t.co/lYvo2uuGaj #KeepSafe #caronavirusoutbreak #scam #Banking pic.twitter.com/UB9srYtCJw
— SABRIC (@Sabric) March 18, 2020
Interpol has also warned of fake websites claiming to be selling medical supplies
⚠️FRAUD WARNING: Fake shops and websites have sprung up online, claiming to have great deals on all types of medical supplies.
Details: https://t.co/KoCpzfMGub#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ueetqu23MZ
— INTERPOL (@INTERPOL_HQ) March 17, 2020
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about SA government’s response to COVID-19
2. Reserve Bank/cash scam. The South African Reserve Bank has warned that are individuals attempting to steal from people under the guise of being from the Reserve Bank and collecting contaminated cash.
The SA Reserve Bank wants to encourage members of the public to contact local police when they are approached by individuals purporting to be SARB employees or representatives. The SARB will never ask members of the public to hand over their cash.
— SA Reserve Bank (@SAReserveBank) March 16, 2020
The SA Reserve Bank has not withdrawn any banknotes or coins or issued any instruction to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. The SARB will NOT, under any circumstances, send employees or representatives to collect cash from the public.
— SA Reserve Bank (@SAReserveBank) March 16, 2020
3. Home screening scam. There are individuals claiming to be from the Department of Health and/or National Institute of Communicable Diseases and/or Netcare 911 group and knocking on people’s doors claiming to be doing home screening. South Africa is not doing any home screening, all tests are currently done at public or private laboratories.
Caution advised: Netcare is not going door to door claiming to be doing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) testing. Do not allow strangers into your property until identity has been confirmed. If this occurs please contact the authorities immediately. https://t.co/6qKlDU4m7b
— NETCARE 911 (@Netcare911_sa) March 16, 2020
SEE ALSO: Frequently asked questions about coronavirus COVID-19