The Namibian police have warned the public about the increase in fraud committed telephonically by strangers to rob unsuspecting persons.
Kauna Shikwambi, a spokesperson for police, issued the warning on Thursday afternoon.
“It is reported that scammers used different approaches to convince their intended victims,” she said.
Shikwambi was saddened by an incident in which a man called Shikwambi and asked for money. He claimed to be a police officer.
“The person requested for money to be transferred through electronic bank transaction in exchange for the release of her husband who was in police custody,” Shikwambi said.
Shikwambi said that the husband of the complainant wasn’t in police custody and that the officer who was investigating was an impostor.
“No officer is authorised to receive money through electronic means for the release of a suspect from police custody.
It is noted that the criminal’s modus operandi might change from time to time and might not be similar ,” she added.
The public was also urged not to engage in telephonic conversations or have any other contact with strangers.
The Namibian Police Force has repeatedly and sternly warned the public about how to handle their bank details. They also advised them not to divulge PIN numbers to scammers as this could lead to their success.
“Do not entertain and or engage in business transactions with strangers. It can be done telephonically, or in person.
She advised the public not to react immediately to police officers’ claims of arresting loved ones; always verify that they are real.
“Do not share your secret Bank details such as PIN with anyone, e.g. When asked, provide
your bank numbers, hang-up immediately.”
Do not keep your PIN numbers on your mobile devices or places that are easily accessible by others, do not send money to a stranger even if they claim to have wrongly/mistakenly sent it to you rather tell the stranger to report the matter at the bank for the fund to be reversed,” she said.
Source: namibian
