Niël Terblanché
As the festive season is about to start, the Namibian Police (NamPol) issued a warning to the public about a rise in card-related fraud scams targeting unsuspecting victims.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of NamPol’s public relations division, said in a statement on Friday that these fraudulent schemes, orchestrated through email and WhatsApp, have reportedly cost victims significant amounts of money and left many in financial distress.
“Victims are typically contacted electronically and informed that they are beneficiaries of an overseas inheritance. People usually receive an electronic parcel, which includes a certificate of inheritance and a bank card, often from the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). However, the card arrives without a PIN, and victims are instructed to deposit money into an account to access the supposed inheritance,” she said while describing the tactics used by the scammers.
Shikwambi added that as the scheme progresses, victims are coerced into transferring increasing amounts of money under the pretence of unlocking their funds.
“Once the scammers realise that their target can no longer provide funds, they abruptly cut all communication,” she said.
Shikwambi also cautioned people that these scams are evolving. Her warning is a reminder of the growing sophistication of cybercrime and the need for increased individual vigilance.
“Scammers may change their modus operandi, so it is essential to stay vigilant. We urge the public not to engage with suspicious emails or mobile messages and to protect their personal banking details at all costs,” she warned.
She added that Deputy Commissioner Gerson Kaura, the head of the Commercial Crime Investigation Division, has made assistance readily available for people, who suspect they have fallen victim to such a scam.
“Victims should report these incidents immediately. Our commercial division can be contacted directly for guidance and support,” she said.
Shikwambi reiterated the importance of public awareness in combating these fraudulent activities.
“Namibians must remain alert to safeguard their hard-earned money from such predatory schemes,” she stressed.
According to Shikwambi, NamPol will continue to protect citizens from financial crimes, urging everyone to exercise caution and seek help promptly if targeted.
