Online scams on the internet include dodgy sites that try to lure you to open attachments and many other ploys. One thing to check out for is that the green lock icon appears to the left of the site address and the site is prefixed https:.  Most fake websites have poorly written text. Identifying this trait early on can help determine a website’s the legitimacy. 

The SAPS Station Commander and Captain Basson, the Head of the Detectives Branch at Fish Hoek Police Station strongly urge residents to report crimes and to also keep suitable records (e.g. photographs of valuable items such as TVs, power tools bicycles) make, model and serial numbers) of possessions so that in the event of their theft this can be provided as additional information in the case dockets. Another option is to microdot these items as this will also assist the detectives with uniting recovered stolen items with their owners.

Residents with private surveillance cameras are asked to ensure these are functioning and that their lenses are cleaned regularly so as to provide optimum footage to the detectives, if possible. Ensure that backup power supply (batteries) of these systems are in good working order.

By reporting all cases of trespassing, attempted break ins theft from property and actual break ins to SAPS, better resource utilisation can take place. Make a difference by joining your neighbourhood watch, reporting crime and help SAPS to help you!

ATM Card theft, Online Crime and Fraud: Residents are advised to be vigilant when conducting digital transactions  when buying items from online buying and selling sites such as Gumtree, for more information and advice click here. Protect your personal details, computer log in credentials, online banking passwords and online banking account numbers by not providing these details to people cold calling  you to say your account has a problem and these details are needed by them to sort out the “problem”. 

Online scams from persons claiming to be from SARS, Telkom, ABSA bank etc, in which you sent emails and are asked to open html attachments or requested to provide personal information and/or passwords MUST be treated with caution. These institutions do not ask for that kind of information in telephone calls or emails!

Similarly, do not accept unsolicited help from people phoning and claiming to be Microsoft personnel  saying that they have  detected a problem with your computer or operating system. Do not give them ANY personal information such as banking codes and log in credentials; just terminate the call immediately.

Residents are also encouraged to make use of the online portals such as Safely Home Reporter (https://safelyhome.westerncape.gov.za/reporter)and Submit a service request (C3) (http://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Report/Muncipal-services-and-maintenance/Submit-a-service-request/Submit%20a%20service%20request%20online) to report matters affecting safety and security, in addition to general service delivery issues.