PUBLIC AWARENESS PROJECT: COMBATTING THE "TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE" SCAMS

Isabel Spies
1 day ago
5 min read

PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

EXAMPLE CASE, ONE OF MANY MR. MIKE BOLHUIS RECEIVES ON A DAILY BASIS:

"Good morning my name is XXX XXX, yesterday I was on Facebook and sow a add on a new car with n number that I have typed last night I got a message congratulations you have won the car and 100000 dollars. This morning they send me a picture of the car and there banking details we are preparing the money for. The next message was go and by a XBOX gift card 3000 dollars. I whrote back and told them I don't have R51 279,90 to buy the gift card I don't have work for the last 11 months. Then they ask me how much money do you have Told them R150 The next Thing was Ok pay R2000 Xbox card borrow the money After that a short Video of Elon Musk appears borrow the money will help you we will work together -

I really don't know if this is a scam".

In light of a recent and widespread online scam, this project outlines the critical details of the deceptive scheme, its methods, and the essential steps the public must take to protect themselves.

Public awareness and vigilance are our strongest tools in preventing financial loss and discouraging criminals.

THE CHALLENGE: SOPHISTICATED SCAMS IN THE DIGITAL AGE:

Scammers are increasingly using sophisticated social engineering tactics to exploit hope, urgency, and the trust users place in digital platforms.
The recent "Elon Musk/Xbox Gift Card" scam exemplifies this threat.
- THE HOOK:
  - Victims are targeted via Facebook ads or messages with fake "winning" notifications for extravagant prizes like cars and large sums of money.
- THE ILLUSION:
  - To build false credibility, scammers send pictures of the "prize" and fake banking details.
- THE CATCH:
  - The victim is then instructed to purchase high-value Xbox gift cards (e.g., $500 - $3000) as a supposed "processing fee" or "tax" to release their winnings.
- THE MANIPULATION:
  - Scammers use high-pressure tactics, including:
    - Pretending to be a sympathetic individual.
    - Exploiting financial vulnerability ("How much money do you have?").
    - Using fake videos of celebrities like Elon Musk to create a false sense of legitimacy and partnership.
    - Urging victims to borrow money they do not have.

Driven by the need to protect the public, SSS has developed a clear, actionable guide to identify,

avoid, and report these scams.

KEY DETAILS OF THE SCAM & RED FLAGS:

THE CORE METHOD:
- The scam operates entirely online, primarily through Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS, and Email.
THE TARGET:
- Anyone who encounters a "too good to be true" offer online, especially those who may be financially vulnerable or momentarily off guard.
MAJOR RED FLAGS:
- UNSOLICITED WINS:
  - You receive a message about winning a prize for a competition you never entered.
- UPFRONT PAYMENT VIA GIFT CARDS:
  - Any request for payment via Xbox, Google Play, Steam, or other gift cards is a 100% definitive sign of a scam. Legitimate businesses and contests never operate this way.
- PRESSURE TO BORROW MONEY:
  - A legitimate entity will never ask you how much money you have or pressure you to borrow funds.
- FAKE CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS:
  - Scammers use deepfakes or stolen videos of famous people to appear credible.
- VAGUE OR POOR COMMUNICATION:
  - Grammar errors, insistence on staying on one platform (not calling a verified office), and evasive answers are common.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FINANCES:

THE NEW SAFETY PROTOCOL:
- INSTANT SCEPTICISM:
  - If an offer seems too good to be true, it is.
  - Treat it as a scam until proven otherwise through independent verification.
- INDEPENDENT VERIFICATION:
  - DO NOT use the contact details provided in the suspicious message.
  - If you think a deal might be real:
    - Look up the official website of the company being mentioned.
    - Call their publicly listed, verified customer service number.
    - Or, visit a physical store location in person.
- THE GIFT CARD RULE:
  - Treat any request for gift card payment as a criminal act.
  - Report it immediately.
- BANKING SAFEGUARD:
  - If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, hang up immediately.
  - Go in person to your local branch or call the official number.

SCAM RESPONSE TIMELINE:

UPON ENCOUNTER:
- STOP.
- Do not engage.
- Do not click links.
- Do not share personal information.
NEXT STEP:
- REPORT the profile, page, or number to the platform (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.).
FINAL STEP:
- WARN your family and friends, especially those less familiar with digital scams.

HOW TO PREPARE AND STAY SAFE:

EDUCATE YOURSELF & OTHERS:
- Share this document and discuss these scams with your circle, especially older relatives.
PLAN TO IGNORE:
- Have a personal rule to ignore all unsolicited prize notifications and deal offers from unknown parties.
CHECK THE SOURCE:
- Always verify through independent, official channels.
LEAVE THE CONVERSATION:
- If you are already in a conversation that turns suspicious, disengage immediately.
- Do not feel obligated to be polite to a scammer.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION OR HAVE BEEN SCAMMED:

REPORT:
- Report the incident to the relevant social media platform and to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
SEEK HELP:
- If you have lost money, contact your bank immediately to see if the transaction can be stopped.
SUPPORT:
- Be aware that scammers often target the same victim twice (e.g., posing as a "recovery agent" to get more money). Do not engage.

Stay alert, stay sceptical, and ensure your financial safety.

RELEVANT SSS PROJECTS:

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:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

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

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -

https://www.facebook.com/MikeBolhuisOfficial

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:

https://mikebh.link/2fkmx6

Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

Add us to your address book

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