THE Westville SAPS is appealing for help in tracking down two alleged fraudsters, a man and a woman, who have been preying on unsuspecting professionals in Durban.
According to Westville SAPS communication’s officer Sgt Stephen Clark the woman often operates under the alias of Joanne (Desray) Niadoo or Pillay (Westville CAS 164-02-2012), while the man uses Vis Pillay as his alias (Westville CAS 159-0402013).
The modus operandi of both suspects is to approach professional people claiming to know them, usually under the pretence of being a former patient or client. They claim to work for Customs and Excise and say they have items going on auction, offering first bid or purchase to the victim. The victims then transfer funds to the fraudsters’ account and they subsequently disappear. According to Clark, the two have targeted victims all over Durban.
“These fraudsters prey on the gullible and the greedy. The victims of such scams think they are getting something at a cheaper price, but it is not worth the risk. If it looks too good to be true it often is,” said Clark.
The SAPS warns residents against any such transaction where transfers or deposits of cash are made without viewing or verifying the existence of said products. “Once a person has been scammed you cannot get your money back. The victim will only be able to open a case against the suspect,” said Clark.
The Westville SAPS urges residents who have information regarding the whereabouts of either suspect to contact Detective Constable Desen Pillay at Westville SAPS on 031 267 7354 or 079 483 2820.
