Says Thokozani Mvelase, Executive for TARPS (Telkom Assets and Revenue Protection Services): “During this time of the year, fraudsters will increase their attempts to try and prey on the unsuspecting customers, leaving them out of pocket.” <\/p>\n
In general, Mvelase said, the modus operandi of the fraudsters sees them first depositing a stolen or counterfeit cheque into a customer’s account.<\/p>\n
Then, on a false Telkom letterhead, the fraudsters inform the customer that the initial deposit into their accounts (via the counterfeit cheque) was an erroneous refund from Telkom.<\/p>\n
“These letters are either faxed or e-mailed to the customer. This is often followed up with a telephone call requesting the customer to expedite the refund,” continued Mvelase.<\/p>\n
He added that customers are then requested to transfer the amount into an account that is falsely identified as Telkom’s. “However, this account is obviously held by the fraudsters,” cautioned Mvelase.<\/p>\n
This transaction usually happens before the initial cheque deposit is cleared by the bank.<\/p>\n
Consequently, the customer’s account will be debited with the amount on the cheque while the initial cheque deposit is declined by the bank.<\/p>\n
The fraudsters would, in the interim, have withdrawn the cash from the so-called “Telkom” account, thus leaving the customer out of pocket for the value of the initial cheque deposit amount.<\/p>\n
“To ensure that our customers do not fall victim to these fraudsters, I would like to urge the public to be extremely vigilant especially if they receive unknown cheque deposits into their bank accounts,” emphasised Mvelase.<\/p>\n
It must be stressed that Telkom does not conduct its business in this manner when making re-imbursements. “In the event of a credit, Telkom passes it to the next month’s account,” said Mvelase. <\/p>\n
Another way customers can prevent such attempts is to call Telkom at 10210 to confirm if the Company has made any such payments. <\/p>\n
“Finally, members of the public are urged to contact Telkom’s fraud hotline on 080
0 124 000 or the nearest police station in order to report the receipt of such a letter or telephone call requesting a refund, advised Mvelase.<\/p>\n