With economic pressures becoming tighter many people are feeling the financial squeeze and are looking for ways to make extra money.
Ms Veronica Samson*, a single mother who works in the Edenvale CBD, recently fell victim to a pyramid scheme and wants to warn other people about the scam.
According to Ms Samson she fell victim to a WhatsApp stokvel (pyramid scheme) after a lady by the name of Ms Nomsa Sakarombe introduced her to it.
Ms Samson was told by Ms Sakarombe if she deposits R1 000 she will receive a payout of R5 000 after two to three weeks.
“While she was here she showed me the SMS notifications of the money coming into her account,” said Ms Samson.
She said in hindsight she realises that it was a scam and that the WhatsApp group admins were receiving the money.
“I had R2 000 left from my salary which I had planned to put towards a tombstone, but instead I deposited the money. Ms Sakarombe assured me that I would get my money,” said Ms Samson.
Ms Samson received R10 000 as a result of her earlier deposit of R2 000.
“I then deposited R4 000 of the R10 000, thinking that I would receive R20 000,” said Mrs Samson.
Ms Samson said she told many people about how to participate in the WhatsApp stokvel and even lent R2 000 of the R10 000 to people so that they can join.
“I gave money to friends to help. I thought it was the opportunity of a lifetime. I kept on recruiting thinking that it was going to help people,”
Since depositing the R4 000 Ms Samson has not received any feedback.
“The admins of the WhatsApp group told us to be patient,” said Ms Samson.
She said people began to get suspicious when they realised they were paying money into the same accounts.
Captain Jean Olckers, spokesperson for the Edenvale SAPS, said pyramid schemes are illegal practices and urged community members to not get involved in them.
“It may seem to be a lucrative way to make money but once a pyramid scheme reaches its peak, it collapses,” said Capt Olckers.
He said people who run pyramid schemes can be charged with theft under false pretences and fraud.
“At the end of the day someone will lose money,” said Capt Olckers.
He said no cases of theft under false pretences and fraud had been opened at the Edenvale Police Station.
“To report a criminal case phone 10111 as soon as possible,” said Capt Olckers.
*Ms Veronica Samson is a false name as the individual fears for her life and does not wish to be publicly known.
The individual has not opened a case of theft under false pretences and fraud at the Edenvale Police station for the same reason.
