Advance Fee Scams

• You get a call over the weekend and are told that your domestic helper has passed away in an accident and that money is needed for funeral costs. You make an urgent payment into a given account, but on Monday morning your domestic worker arrives at work in good health – totally unaware of the scam.
• You get an email or SMS with the news that you have won the lottery or a prize and that you need to contact someone to collect your winnings or prize. When you make contact, the fraudsters ask you to make a payment into a nominated account to receive your winnings or prize. They convince you to make the payment, but you never receive your winnings or prize.
• You get a call about a business opportunity promising huge profits if you invest money in the business. Once you make the 'investment payment', you never hear from them again.
• You see an advertisement for a free puppy or kitten in a local newspaper or on the internet. When you call the telephone number provided, fraudsters ask you to make a payment for vaccinations or transport costs. Once you have paid the money, they give you a false collection address.

• Be aware of what fraudsters have in their usual bag of tricks. Once you know what to look for, you'll be more discerning. The following should ring alarm bells:
  • The offer sounds too good to be true.
  • You don't know the caller or sender.
  • The person claims to be an 'authority', eg a doctor or bank official.
  • You are told that the offer is 'just for you', as long as you pay upfront administration fees.
  • They tell you it is urgent.
  • You are asked to keep the transaction confidential.
  • You are manipulated with emotional bribery, being told someone is ill, injured or dead.
  • The message is very formal, yet it has basic spelling and grammar errors.
• Never respond to a suspicious email or call an unknown number.
• Never pay fees upfront, unless you are absolutely certain that it is a reputable supplier.
• Forward any scam emails to the internet service provider from where the email originated, eg abuse@hotmail.com or abuse@yahoo.com.
• Be aware that fraudsters are now using names of reputable companies to try to con people into believing that their scams are legitimate. Always contact the company concerned to check whether it is running a promotion.

You could easily unknowingly become involved in money laundering if the money is used for illegal activities. Money laundering is a crime with serious legal consequences. If you realise you have fallen victim to a scam, call us immediately on 24081251 and report the incident to the police.