Sapa, 20070322

IDENTITY THEFT SCAM OFFERING OVERSEAS JOBS

Police on Thursday warned of a scam, offering overseas job opportunities, which could lead to identity theft.

National police spokesman Captain Percy Morokane said the potential victim is contacted via email and offered overseas employment with many tempting benefits.

Personal details are then requested from the recipient of the email such as banking details, scanned identity documents and copies of their academic qualifications.

On receipt of these documents, a fake employment contract is sent to the victim. The personal information provided could be used in identity theft, Morokane said.

He said police have received reports about such emails, but have in their possession one email which duped a South African man. He would not divulge further information as investigations were continuing.

While the email in police possession was from Europe, Morokane said emails offering overseas employment could originate from inside or outside South Africa.

"The public is therefore warned to be extremely careful when considering overseas job offers, especially where one is requested to disclose one's personal details," he said.

Any recipient of such requests for information should visit the website of the company offering employment to view the company profile, Morokane advised.

He urged people to contact police on 012-401-3343 or 012-393-1203 should they receive such an email.

Source : Sapa /nm/yr

Date : 22 Mar 2007 16:47