The Botswana Police Service has warned members of the public, particularly pensioners, to remain vigilant against fraudsters using bank and employment scams to steal large sums of money.
The warning follows several recent fraud cases in which victims collectively lost hundreds of thousands of pula after being deceived by criminals using different methods to gain access to their money.
According to the Botswana Police Service, one victim in Molepolole was defrauded of P357,000, while another in Middlepits lost more than P42,000. A third victim in Lobatse was defrauded of more than P8,000.
Police said investigations into the cases were under way and that efforts were being made to identify and apprehend the suspects.
In one of the scams, criminals allegedly impersonated bank employees and contacted victims claiming that their banking information needed to be updated.
Victims were then sent links and instructed to follow a series of prompts. Police said victims only discovered later that substantial amounts of money had been withdrawn from their bank accounts.
Another scam involves fake employment opportunities advertised through social media.
According to police, criminals pose as representatives of companies offering jobs, including positions supposedly available outside Botswana. When interested applicants make contact, they are instructed to pay money to secure the advertised vacancy.
Victims may subsequently receive another link and be instructed to make further payments for supposed visa application and processing fees.
The police said victims only realise afterwards that they have been defrauded.
Botswana Police Superintendent Selebatso Mooketsi, urged the public to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited communications from people claiming to represent banks, companies or law-enforcement agencies.
The police specifically warned members of the public against sharing sensitive banking information.
The BPS urged people not to share personal or banking details, including PINs, passwords or card information, with strangers.
Mooketsi also advised members of the public to independently verify communications before taking any action.
“The public is advised to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to represent banks, companies or law enforcement agencies before engaging with them,” Mooketsi said.
He further urged people to report suspicious encounters immediately to their nearest police station.
The warning comes as criminals continue to exploit social media, mobile communications and people’s trust to make fraudulent demands for money.
The Botswana Police Service said public awareness and vigilance were essential in preventing such crimes.
Mooketsi said the police service remained committed to protecting the public from fraud and related offences, while urging people to remain alert to increasingly deceptive tactics used by criminals.