Residents are reminded to be cautious when doing online shopping or banking during the festive season and on Black Friday, as criminals use this time to target victims.
Michael Hibbert, the technology advisor at the Simon’s Town Community Policing Forum (CPF), says a rise in online fraud is often seen during this time of the year.
“It happens throughout the year, but towards the end of the year festive season is when most people have their bonuses and have money to spend; that’s when the criminals take advantage.
Speaking at the Simon’s Town CPF public meeting on Wednesday 16 November, Hibbert advised residents not to respond to phishing emails. “Firstly, don’t respond to any of the emails you are receiving unless you know it’s actually coming from that particular company and it’s a reputable company.
“Secondly, only shop at reputable companies, companies that are known. You will have a lot of companies popping up trying to sell you something and often what happens is you pay and then never see the items you ordered and paid for online.
“Be aware and make sure you are using a reputable gateway or payment gateway.”
Hibbert advised the public to always update the anti-virus software on their laptops and other electronic devices. “Be very aware of phishing emails, they are in their hoards coming through at the moment. “Just delete them if you don’t open them, you are fine. But if you click on any of the links inside the email, then you are opening yourself up to not only going to a website to steal your information, but they could also be putting a virus onto your device.
“Particularly if you have a home computer or laptop, always make sure that you have anti-virus software that is kept up to date.
“The virus developers are always one step ahead of anti-virus guys so that is why you need to keep it up to date.
“The last thing, when you are transacting in money just make sure that you are using your own gateway to do the transaction and know who you are buying from.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to general theft Simon’s Town Police Station commander Capt Vishnu Pillay said that theft and housebreaking were a concern in Scarborough.
“Housebreaking is high in Scarborough and basically also general theft. We cannot police theft because people should be vigilant when it comes to theft such as leaving your bicycle in the backyard or anything that is left unattended.”
He advised residents to keep their doors and windows locked because criminals are taking advantage during the festive season period. “Simon’s Town is one of the lowest crime areas in the province.”
However, resources and being understaffed at police stations remain national issues. Currently, Simon’s Town Police Station has 20 active members, six admin staff and four court clerks.
