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PROJECT: FAKE PROOF OF PAYMENT

YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

 

Scammers in South Africa commonly exploit digital tools and unsuspecting individuals to create fake proof of payment.

By leveraging modern technology, they deceive victims into believing that payments have been made,

often leading to financial and material losses.

 

MODUS OPERANDI OF SCAMMERS:

  • CREATING FAKE DOCUMENTS:

    • Scammers use readily available image-editing software or online tools to craft fraudulent proof of payment.

    • These fake documents are made to look like legitimate bank statements, EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) receipts, or payment confirmations.

  • SENDING FAKE PROOF:

    •  The scammer then sends the fabricated proof of payment via:

      • Email.

      • SMS or WhatsApp messages.

      • Social media platforms or messaging apps.

 

The document is often accompanied by a message that adds urgency or pressure to release goods or services.

  • GAINING TRUST:

    • Victims, seeing what appears to be a genuine document, may trust that the payment has been made.

    • In some cases, the scammer may feign additional trustworthiness by using stolen or fake identities.

  • THE SCAM:

    • Believing the payment is complete, victims release goods or services.

    • However, upon checking with their bank, they discovered no funds had been transferred, and the scammer had disappeared.

 

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:

To minimise the risk of falling victim to these scams, consider the following precautions:

  • VERIFY PAYMENTS DIRECTLY WITH YOUR BANK:

    • Never rely solely on documents sent by buyers.

    • Log in to your online banking platform or contact your bank directly to confirm that the payment has been credited to your account.

  • BE CAUTIOUS OF UNSOLICITED OFFERS:

    • Exercise caution if you receive an unexpected purchase request or payment, especially from someone you do not know.

    • Scammers often target sellers of items on classified websites, online marketplaces, or social media platforms.

  • DO NOT RELEASE GOODS OR SERVICES WITHOUT PAYMENT CONFIRMATION:

    • Always wait for confirmation that the funds have cleared into your account.

    • Avoid relying on notifications such as “payment pending” or screenshots as proof.

  • USE SECURE PAYMENT PLATFORMS:

    • Consider using platforms that offer secure payment solutions, where funds are held in escrow until both parties confirm the transaction.

    • Avoid informal payment methods that offer no recourse if something goes wrong.

  • VERIFY THE IDENTITY OF BUYERS:

    • Ask for identification and verify the buyer’s details where possible.

    • For more significant transactions, insist on meeting in person and ensure the transaction happens in a secure, public space.

  • RED FLAGS:

    • Urgency or pressure: Scammers may insist on immediate delivery or make you feel rushed.

    • Unusual payment channels: Be cautious if they request alternative payment methods like cryptocurrency, gift cards, or international transfers.

    • Overpayments: A common scam involves sending “excess” money and requesting a refund.

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED:

  • REPORT THE INCIDENT:

    • South African Police Service (SAPS):

      • File a case of fraud with SAPS.

      • Ensure you provide all relevant details, including any documents, messages, and contact information related to the scammer.

    • South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC):

      • Report the incident to SABRIC, which works with banks to combat financial crimes.

    • Specialised Security Services:

  • NOTIFY THE BANK:

    • Contact your bank to alert them of the scam.

    • If the scammer used your account details, request a freeze or change to protect against further misuse.

  • SPREAD AWARENESS:

    • Inform others in your community, social circles, or business network to prevent them from falling victim to similar scams.

  • SEEK LEGAL ADVICE:

    • Consult a lawyer if you need assistance recovering lost funds or handling legal processes.

  • STRENGTHEN YOUR SECURITY MEASURES:

    • Update passwords, use two-factor authentication, and monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS:

  • SABRIC (SOUTH AFRICAN BANKING RISK INFORMATION CENTRE):

    • Provides assistance and resources for victims of banking scams.

  • CYBERSECURITY AND FRAUD HELPLINES:

    • Many banks in South Africa offer dedicated fraud hotlines to report suspicious activity.

  • CONSUMER PROTECTION ORGANISATIONS:

    • Organisations like the National Consumer Commission (NCC) may assist with fraud-related grievances.

 

By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scammers who rely on fake proof of payment schemes. Prevention and education are key tools in combating these fraudulent activities.

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


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Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

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THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.

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