Avoiding Being a Victim of Fraud

Published : July 16, 2010 :: 16:07:46 [ 1,601 views ]

A woman has had to change the way in which she listed the names of her family, friends and associates on her cell phone after her handbag was stolen along with its contents.

Twenty minutes later, she telephoned her husband from a public call box telling him what had happened. Her husband told her he had just received a text from her asking for their PIN number which he duly sent via a reply.

By the time they met up and rushed to their bank, they were told that all their money had already been withdrawn. The cheeky thief had used her phone to obtain the PIN number to steal her money within twenty minutes of stealing her bag.

Lesson for today……

Do not disclose the relationship between yourself and the people on your cell phone.

Avoid using pet names such as Honey, Sweetie, Hubby, Mum, Dad, Home etc.

Very importantly, when being asked for delicate information via a text/SMS, CONFIRM by calling back.

Also, when arranging to meet family and friends by text, be sure to CONFIRM by calling back to make sure the message came from them and that it isn’t a set up.

If unable to reach them, be vigilant and take care when leaving to meet them….You never know who it was that sent you the message.

Check all the names on your cell phone. Make sure if lost or stolen you cannot become the next victim of FRAUD.

Patty Brown