Northern Cape police have warned members of the public to be alert to fraudulent activities ahead of the festive season, particularly investment scams and fake prize-winning notifications.
Provincial police spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi has urged communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to avoid falling victim to online fraud.
Mnisi cautioned residents against clicking on suspicious links received through social media platforms or sharing their personal and banking information with unknown individuals.
She said criminals continued to exploit digital platforms, social media, mobile applications and electronic communication to target unsuspecting members of the public.
Fraudsters often use deceptive tactics to gain victims' trust before unlawfully obtaining their money and personal information.
Mnisi said investment scams frequently involved promises of unrealistic financial returns within a short period in exchange for an initial deposit.
Police have also raised concerns about banking scams in which criminals impersonate bank officials or send fraudulent messages to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.
The public has been urged to verify suspicious communications and remain cautious of offers that appear too good to be true.