With the exponential use of the internet for online transactions during the pandemic the potential for online scams has significantly increased.

You need to be vigilant to prevent yourself from becoming a victim and immediately report any suspicions to the police.

General tips

  • Never provide your account PIN to anyone online or over the phone. Your financial institution NEVER asks you for your PIN even while at the institution activating your card
  • Never send money, provide credit card details, online account details, or copies of your personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust.
  • Beware of emails purporting to have available to you unexpected inheritances or donations from international financial institutions. The TTPS has noted an increase in such scams
  • Beware of messages that ask you to send funds so you can receive grant money from unknown organizations

Romance scams

Romance scams have also become more prevalent. Here are a few tips to prevent you becoming a victim of such scams:

  • Be wary about what you share about yourself on social network sites. Scammers use that information and pictures to create a fake identity and to target you with a scam.
  • Be cautious when sharing personal pictures or videos online with anyone. Scammers can blackmail you using compromising material that you share.
  • Always be wary of an online approach knowing that there is a great chance it can be a scam. Look out for warning signs such as spelling and grammatical errors in inconsistent information over time and a camera that never works when attempting to video chat.
  • Be wary of going to meet someone you met online in person. If after your research you believe this is safe tell family and friends where you are going.
  • Avoid making any arrangement with a stranger who asks for up-front payment via wire transfer, international funds transfer or pre-loaded money cards.