Police in the Sarah Baartman district have expressed their concern over the recent increase in online fraud cases in Port Alfred.

Spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy says in the last six weeks they have had 14 cases opened where the same modus operandi was at play.

He says all the victims were called on their cellphones and informed that fraudulent activities were taking place on their bank accounts.

According to SAPS, the suspects had all the personal information of the victims which made the calls seem more legitimate.

Captain McCarthy says the caller would then ask the victims to confirm their ID numbers and supply them with a one-time-pin number (OTP).

He says before long, money would be withdrawn from their accounts.

The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka is appealing to the public to be cautious when buying items online and not to accept any help from bystanders when withdrawing money at the ATM.

He says fraudsters can exchange cards without you noticing.

source:Port Alfred residents warned about fraud scam (algoafm.co.za)