Authorities in Botswana have issued a fresh warning to the public against sharing banking credentials after four people were arrested in a case involving the theft of more than 1.4 million pula from a pensioner in Ramotswa.
Near Bagali, assistant commissioner of police and the force’s public relations officer, said the suspects had allegedly masqueraded as bank staff and persuaded the victim to hand over confidential details under the pretext of updating her Know Your Customer information. The stolen funds were then moved into accounts and mobile wallets controlled by the group.
Banks will never request customers to disclose confidential information such as One Time Passwords, Personal Identification Numbers, passwords or other sensitive banking credentials over the telephone, text messages or social media platforms.
The four accused who are identified as Bame Wendy Lebo Senna, 35; Leatile McPherson Motshabi, 36; Emmanuel Gaetwesepe, 40; and Orebotse Masala, 35 appeared in the Village Magistrate Court on September 11 and were remanded in prison. Their next court date is September 22.
Investigations continue into other possible beneficiaries and the recovery of the outstanding proceeds.
Bagali appealed to members of the public to terminate any suspicious contact immediately and report it to police or their bank before any financial loss occurs.