SA Post Office warns against 419 scam

THE SA Post Office is urging the public to be on alert regarding a parcel delivery scam designed solely to steal their money.

According to Nobuhle Njapha from the SA Post Office, the modus operandi of the perpetrators of the scam involves the telephonic and email contact of clients of the Lesotho Postal Services who are being contacted by impostors who claim to be SA Post Office employees. During the call, the perpetrators mention that a parcel intended for delivery to such a client is kept by the SA Post Office and is ready for delivery.

Clients are, however, informed that such a parcel will only be released once a certain amount has been paid. Instances have been reported where clients are ‘required’ to pay an amount of R2 500 into a fraudulently opened bank account before releasing such parcels. Njapha said the Post Office is concerned this scam will happen elsewhere in the country.

“The SA Post Office warns members of the public to be alert when they receive communication such as telephone calls or emails. The SA Post Office does not require customers to make any deposit of funds into bank accounts before releasing parcels – formal procedures are followed to inform clients of a parcel that is to be collected,” said Njapha.

Residents who have any information are requested to call the police or the Post Office’s Crime Buster Hotline on 0800 020 070.

“The SA Post Office advises the public to ignore communication of this nature, and the public is urged to be vigilant and not unwittingly be enticed in depositing any money on receiving such calls. If in doubt, call your local post office or the Customer Services Help Desk,” said Njapha.