Auleria Wakudumo
The Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) has warned the public to avoid sharing banking details with strangers claiming to be their representatives.
This latest warning follows a case where a 59-year-old was scammed out of N$29 000 by a suspect pretending to be an official from MTC.
The victim lost his money even after he allegedly refused to provide his banking details to the scammer at First National Bank in Ondangwa on Monday.
Oshana police spokesperson Frieda Shikole said it is alleged the unknown suspect called the victim and pretended to be calling from MTC, and informed the victim that he won an amount of N$10 000. After announcing the news, the suspect asked the victim to provide his details in order to receive his money which he won.
The victim allegedly refused to give out his banking details and switched off his phone.
Later, when he switched on his cell phone and contacted the bank, he was notified that several withdrawals were made on his account amounting to N$29 000.
So far, nothing has been recovered.
MTC spokesperson Erasmus Nekundi said they are still learning of the deceptive activities of scammers constantly attempting to deceive and steal from innocent members of the public.
“That is why we continue to warn and educate the public to be vigilant not to fall victim to these scammers,” he said.
Scammers commonly call, SMS or a post on social media is sent promising a prize, and prompting one to follow specific instructions to claim it.
“We thus advise that the moment you are asked to follow specific steps on your phone for you to claim the supposed prize, just get suspicious immediately, and call our 24 hours contact centre on 13 000 or 12 000 to verify or report the case to the police,” Nekundi added.