by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice is warning DStv subscribers after a surge in the number of scams over recent weeks targeting pay-TV subscribers in South Africa, with the pay-TV operator cautioning customers to be vigilant and not to fall victim to dangerous scams ranging from fake gift cards to job offers, "DStv for life" and even "final notice" messages.
MultiChoice is warning DStv subscribers that scammers are using various tactics to either try and steal their money or to get hold of their personal information.
"While some scams are difficult to identify, there are usually tell-tale signs that can help you spot if something is a scam," MultiChoice says.
"Receiving an email or SMS from us claiming that you've won a huge prize for a DStv competition you never entered and for which you must either pay a fee or verify yourself by sending your personal details - sound too good to be true? It probably is," says MultiChoice.
In a phishing and gift card scam, customers get an email telling them that they have won a cash gift card or a large sum of prize money from a MultiChoice competition, or that they're getting a large sum of money for being a loyal DStv subscriber. The email then asks them to first provide their person details in order to claim the prize.
In another scam, some DStv subscribers have received a SMS claiming to be from DStv demanding payment for a DStv Explora account. The message threatens action if payment is not made on the specific day and includes bank details.
MultiChoice says these messages are not from DStv and that subscribers should never make any payment into any bank account or through any link supplied in such messages. MultiChoice says that customers can check their accounts anytime through one of the self-service platforms like the website, DStv app or through Whatsapp using the 0600 603 788 number.
MultiChoice is also warning about dangerous scams disguised as recruitment ads for MultiChoice making fake job offers.
"One of our suppliers who recruits on our behalf, Afrizan, does use Facebook and Twitter to advertise jobs. Every advert has a reference number which can be verified against opportunities posted to the Afrizan website," says MultiChoice.
"Please note that neither MultiChoice nor its suppliers will ever offer to drive you to an interview. Please be vigilant. If you're interested in working for MultiChoice, you can look for opportunities and submit your CV on our careers page on the MultiChoice website," the company says.
MultiChoice is also warning customers about DStv Premium and DStv installation scams.
"Scammers are approaching our customers offering them DStv Premium upgrades. They offer DStv Premium for a fixed once-off fee per year where the customer pays the fee directly to the scammer. Please be aware that you can upgrade your DStv account online at any time. Do not believe anyone claiming to upgrade your account on your behalf," says MultiChoice.
In the DStv installation scam, scammers posing as DStv accredited installers are offering customers unrealistic DStv services like free package upgrades or free "DStv for life" for a minimal once-off fee.
"DStv offers 6 subscription packages that you can choose from. If someone offers you a discounted DStv subscription at a once-off payment, treat this with suspicion and check it with us. To check if someone is a DStv accredited installers, ask them for their DStv ID card, which specifies their qualification as well as the accredited company they work for. You can also check DStv.co.za under installers".
MultiChoice says the operator will "never request your personal details via email or SMS - please do not hand over your personal information to anyone claiming to be from DStv. Also do not make payments directly to an individual claiming they are from MultiChoice or DStv - use one of our direct platforms to make your payments to your DStv account".
"Always check the email address and emails containing spelling and grammatical errors. MultiChoice has its own domains for its emails (multichoice.co.za) so we would never send an email from a hotmail, gmail, outlook, safrica.com or similar account," the company warns.
