IT'S that time of the year when families get to enjoy what they have saved up by spending the festive season happy.
Many saved up the entire year to reap their rewards this month. It could be through stokvels, member societies, banking savings, etc.
However, during the holiday excitement, it's important to recognise the growing threat posed by criminals.
People need to be aware that as technology grows, criminals are also getting smarter.
As many go on shopping sprees, they tend to want to spend less on products, which are normally high in pricing.
This is where scammers find an opportunity or a loophole to lure in their victims by offering bogus products at a cheaper price.
This kind of scam is popularly known around Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West where scammers advertise products on social media.
Victims are then required to meet such people at dodgy places with the thought of making a transaction only to be robbed and kidnapped for ransom or even killed.
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Such incidents happen a lot during the festive season as people are expected to have money.
This scam involves card duplication and cloning. So, everyone, be careful while using ATMs during this time.
Another scam that is on the rise targets widows and women who are about to go on pension, and it all happens in the name of love.
Thugs target these women by taking advantage of their vulnerability, only to cash in on the money left behind by spouses, or as a result of life insurance and pension monies.
Scammers get into relationships with these women and start advising them on investing and spending money.
After they cash in, they leave and head to their next targeted victim.
This scam takes place at any time of the year so to everyone out there, beware of the scams and be safe this festive.
