On Tuesday, August 8th, the Mauritius Police Force issued a call for vigilance, urging the public to exercise caution when using social networks. There has been a significant increase in online scams on Mauritian soil in recent times.
Targets and how scammers operate
These scams seem to target individuals looking for easy money. The pattern is consistent: scammers pretend to be legitimate lenders, enticing victims with promises of quick and effortless loans, only to disappear once they've acquired personal information or an upfront payment. To avoid falling into their trap, here are some important measures to consider:
Thorough research and verification
Stay vigilant with unsolicited messages, as fraudsters often use them to gather personal or financial information. Always check the sender's profile and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Rely on credible sources like reviews, ratings, and feedback from other borrowers. Legitimate lenders have the necessary licenses and references.
Be cautious of upfront fees
Legitimate lenders never ask for upfront payments before processing a loan application. If you're asked to make a payment before getting the loan, it's a clear sign of a scam.
Protect your personal information
Avoid sharing sensitive information such as national ID details, banking info, or credit card details on social media.
Thoroughly review offers
If an offer seems too good to be true, it might have malicious intentions. Take the time to carefully review the loan terms by comparing them with other accredited lenders, reputable banks, or trusted financial institutions.
Report suspected scams
If you encounter suspicious loan offers on social media or become a victim of an online scam, immediately report the fraudulent account or profile to the respective social media platform. Additionally, inform local authorities or financial intelligence services about the incident.
