Key Takeaways
- Scammers are increasing their activity in the South in the lead-up to Christmas, targeting victims on Facebook Marketplace and through text messages, phone calls, and emails pretending to be from banks.
- To avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace, check the seller’s Facebook profile creation date, ensure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match, and never trust screenshots of payment.
- When buying or selling items, it’s best to agree to pay or be paid in cash and in-person, ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage.
- Banks will never contact customers asking for login information, requesting cash withdrawal, or asking for bank card delivery.
- Suspicious activity can be reported to the bank immediately or on 105.
Introduction to Scams in the South
Scammers are ramping up their activity in the South, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, according to police warnings. Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit has seen an increase in people falling victim to scams and fraud, especially on Facebook Marketplace. Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton advises that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. This warning serves as a reminder to be cautious when engaging in online transactions, especially during the holiday season when people may be more vulnerable to scams.
Avoiding Scams on Facebook Marketplace
To avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace, Senior Sergeant Dalton recommends taking a few precautions. A good first step is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If the profile was created recently, there is a higher risk that the account was created for a one-off fake item. Additionally, it’s essential to ensure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match. Scammers often claim their bank account name is different because it belongs to a partner or family member, which is a huge red flag. When selling items, never trust a screenshot showing payment has been made; instead, check your own bank account to confirm the payment. Ideally, all parties should agree to pay or be paid in cash and in-person, in a public place with CCTV coverage.
Best Practices for Buying and Selling
When buying a car on Facebook Marketplace, it’s crucial to check Carjam.co.nz to see if the vehicle was stolen or if money is owed on it. This simple step can help prevent buyers from purchasing a car with outstanding debts or one that has been reported stolen. Furthermore, when engaging in any online transaction, it’s essential to be cautious and take necessary precautions to protect oneself from scams. By being aware of the warning signs and taking steps to verify the seller’s information, individuals can reduce their risk of falling victim to scams.
Bank-Related Scams
Dunedin police are also seeing a rise in text messages, phone calls, and emails pretending to be from banks. These scams often aim to trick victims into revealing their login information or withdrawing cash. However, banks will never contact customers asking for their login information, requesting cash withdrawal, or asking for bank card delivery. If an individual is suspicious of a message or call claiming to be from their bank, they should reach out to their bank immediately and report the incident. Suspicious activity can also be reported on 105, allowing authorities to investigate and take action against scammers.
Conclusion and Final Tips
In conclusion, scammers are increasing their activity in the South, targeting victims on Facebook Marketplace and through bank-related scams. To avoid falling victim to these scams, individuals must be cautious and take necessary precautions. By verifying seller information, being wary of suspicious messages, and reporting incidents to the authorities, individuals can reduce their risk of being scammed. Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution when engaging in online transactions. By staying vigilant and taking the necessary steps to protect oneself, individuals can enjoy a safe and scam-free holiday season.