Two cases of fraud were reported to the Bedfordview SAPS within two consecutive days.
The Bedfordview SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said during one incident a woman wanted to open an account at a jewellery store at the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
“The shopkeeper followed the relevant procedures and, upon checking with the relevant credit bodies for verification, the shopkeeper found that the ID book provided was fraudulent and belonged to a person living in the Free State,” he said.
In the second incident, Sgt Nhlabathi said the SAPS arrested a man for fraud after he tried to withdraw money from a bank at the Bedford Centre.
“The teller reported that she was approached by the suspect who wanted to withdraw R5 000. She asked him for his ID book. She found that the book did not belong to the suspect and the owner was in Mafikeng,” said Sgt Nhlabathi.
He urged residents to be careful with important documents.
“Identity theft if a reality and it can happen to anyone. We ask that people be vigilant at all times. Always know where your ID book is,” he said.
