John Fairheart
23 October 2005, 17:29
Story Here (http://www.persfin.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=2889112&fSectionId=592&fSetId=300)
Scam warnings
September 24, 2005
By Staff Reporter
Beware of work-from-home 'opportunities'
Beware of "work-from-home opportunities", which are advertised in newspapers, magazines and other media, and which often mislead you into believing that you can earn money by working from home, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says.
Normally, applicants have to pay a membership fee to join, a fact which is not disclosed in the advert. Once the amount has been paid, the company will provide the applicant with a list of contact numbers for a job. In most instances, the applicant will then be informed that there are no jobs available. If the applicant contacts the company that advertised the "work from home opportunity", he/she will often be told that there is nothing that the company can do.
Consumers should not send any money in response to "work from home opportunities" but should contact the DTI's Consumer Help Line through the Customer Contact Centre at 0861 843 384 (and ask for the consumer help line).
Warning about new 419 scam
Absa this week issued a warning to credit card holders to be on the lookout for a new variation of the 419 scam. In this scam, a fraudster will call you to congratulate you on winning a trip for two people. The fraudster will ask for personal details such as your name, address, identity number, as well as details of your dependants and credit card numbers.
Japie Krige, the head of fraud at Absa's Card Division, says although the bank is aware of various permutations of the Nigerian 419 scams, this particular version is new.
In general, Krige says, you should be very wary of people who unexpectedly advise you of a windfall and then require you to divulge your banking details.
Scam warnings
September 24, 2005
By Staff Reporter
Beware of work-from-home 'opportunities'
Beware of "work-from-home opportunities", which are advertised in newspapers, magazines and other media, and which often mislead you into believing that you can earn money by working from home, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) says.
Normally, applicants have to pay a membership fee to join, a fact which is not disclosed in the advert. Once the amount has been paid, the company will provide the applicant with a list of contact numbers for a job. In most instances, the applicant will then be informed that there are no jobs available. If the applicant contacts the company that advertised the "work from home opportunity", he/she will often be told that there is nothing that the company can do.
Consumers should not send any money in response to "work from home opportunities" but should contact the DTI's Consumer Help Line through the Customer Contact Centre at 0861 843 384 (and ask for the consumer help line).
Warning about new 419 scam
Absa this week issued a warning to credit card holders to be on the lookout for a new variation of the 419 scam. In this scam, a fraudster will call you to congratulate you on winning a trip for two people. The fraudster will ask for personal details such as your name, address, identity number, as well as details of your dependants and credit card numbers.
Japie Krige, the head of fraud at Absa's Card Division, says although the bank is aware of various permutations of the Nigerian 419 scams, this particular version is new.
In general, Krige says, you should be very wary of people who unexpectedly advise you of a windfall and then require you to divulge your banking details.