Be alert

 Don’t be a victim of scammers!

By Qaqamba Matundu

Figure 1: Don’t be a victim. Photo: Internet

Marketing and Communication Department at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is alerting people that might be desperate for school and place to stay of active scammers that roam around during the time of applications. Like everyone, applicants can fall victim to a scam. It is important you know how to spot signs of scam and most effective methods to protect yourself. Protecting your personal information helps on protecting you and your money.

Scamming is something that happens every year with all universities. It has been reported that CPUT has opened its first late application window. The university receives thousands of applications and can only accept a certain number of qualifying applicants. Many people out there know how frustrating this period is and prey on desperate people in need of school, that is why the university is urging people to be alert.

It is important to take note of the strategies scammers use to lure people on their traps. “Scammers would make posters to be seem legit and claim that if you pay them, they can get you a place at the institution. In these cases, scammers just take money and disappear. All applicants need to apply to the faculty via the official CPUT website and be eligible to study for the specific course.’’ Says CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kinsley

Ever since the advent of the internet and e-commerce, scams have become a widespread online problem. E-commerce refers to online business activities like buying and selling things on the internet. In a typical scam today, the con artist approaches the victim via SMS or email. Scammers may also call their victims on the phon

Figure 2: Be alert. Photo: Internet

People must be mindful of doggy application processes done via WhatsApp or email. Scammers usually get their targets on Facebook where they send links and say a person must click on it. After clicking it then that is when they get all your personal information. CPUT states that it does not have manual applications, whereby you fill in your personal information in a form and applicants do not pay for being admitted.

When I was scrolling through my Facebook timeline, I saw a post that was written by a student on a CPUT group. The post was as follows, “Guys be safe out there, in 2019 January I received an email from CPUT that I found legit stating I must register within 24 hours. Unfortunately for me I saw it late. I sent an email right away asking if I can still register even though I’m late and they quickly responded with a yes, but with terms and conditions that for me to be able to register I must pay because my space was already given to someone else. They said I must register to the link, when registering I was required to add all my personal details and then at the end do EFT payment on the account, they said is for CPUT. Me being naïve I followed their instructions. Little did I know I was giving them access to my banking app. They took all my money, so everyone, I suggest you to be careful. People are hungry out there and scavenging on vulnerable naïve people.”

One of the CPUT SRC member I interviewed on why people decide to be scammers at the institution answered and said, “Unemployment is a huge thing in South Africa that most people suffer from. According to Stats SA, about 16 million people were unemployed during the fourth quarter, so I would say people are trying a living out there, but they are doing their shenanigans to wrong people. Many people come to our institution from disadvantaged backgrounds, they come here desperate to try and change situation back at home. They do whatever in their power to be admitted but others are done dirty by these heartless scammers and fool them, promising them space that is not available, and it’s done by people that are greedy working here at CPUT. Some were caught and others will have their day coming, now that I promise.”

On a report by Zanele Mvana, there are times people accused of scamming denies those allegations. One of the responses was, “That student never qualified or did not meet the requirements of CPUT. Instead, she wanted me to partake in corruption. I don’t work at CPUT. Why did she not apply instead of accusing me of getting her into school. CPUT has its process and I made it clear I am not doing this. I gave the money to the other guy who told me that he can assist her since I was always expecting feedback from him.”

Figure 3: How to avoid scams. Photo: Internet

One of the red flags to note when being scammed is that scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hung up so that you can’t check out their story. Scammers tell you to pay in a significant way. Do look for spelling and grammar on their emails because legit organisations have their stuff checked by professionals.

There are ways to avoid a scam. “Block unwanted calls and messages. Don’t give your personal or financial information in response toa request that you didn’t expect. Be wise enough to know that legit organisations don’t call nor email for your personal stuff. Do not let them pressure you on doing something immediately.” Says Consumer Advice. If you applied at a certain institution, do research about it including their official websites and banking details.

According to a report by life path counselling, scams have a huge impact on people emotionally and mentally. People feel helpless after being scammed because it feels like nothing can be done to serve justice as scammers vanish into thin air.

The impact of fraud goes well beyond financial loss. Fraud impacts people, industries, entities, services and the environment. Serious impact can arise from any type of fraud which is carried out by opportunistic individuals or serious and organised crime group. However, serious and organised crime can often increase the scale and impact of fraud.

It is said that CPUT is working closely with South African Police Service to investigate allegations of fraud. If you suspect anything fishy of cyber security issues, report it to the CTS service desk at ctsservicedesk@cput.ac.za says CTS management.