BEWARE! New scam leaves a stink

The Boksburg North SAPS is warning residents about a new scam which has surfaced in the Boksburg North area.

The resident received a handwritten quote - in pencil - with the amount of R650 on it.

According to Lieut Juanita Coetzer, Boksburg North SAPS communication officer, the scam previously hit Brakpan and has now escalated to Boksburg.

“People arrive at your house, posing as ant-removers,” said Coetzer.

“They offer their services and then immediately start to treat your garden with a certain fertilizer.

“When they’re done fertilizing your garden, they suddenly hand you a bill. They will demand the cash immediately and get aggressive in the process.”

Unfortunately, an Atlasville resident, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, became a victim of this nasty scam on Friday, May 1.

The complainant’s husband was approached by three men who offered to do a demo of a new product which helps combat ants.

Her husband was allegedly told that the product is a lot like fertilizer.

“One of the men said that we didn’t have to pay and he will just do the demo quickly. Before we know it, without our consent, the other men threw bags of fertilizer on our front lawn,” said the complainant.

“Suddenly, my husband gets a quote – written in pencil – with the amount owing them is R650.”

When her husband refused to pay, the guys allegedly became adamant and wouldn’t leave until they got the money.

“They suggested my husband go to the ATM and they will even drive with him. They also suggested that he could do an e-wallet payment. After much debate, he got the price down to R250.

“That’s when my husband came in the house – white in his face – considering to pay the money, in which I said he should go back out there and get rid of them.”

The complainant said that her husband didn’t sign anything to show he gave consent.

According to the complainant, the scammers still refused to leave without any payment, so her husband agreed on doing an e-wallet payment of R120.

“As soon as they got the e-wallet payment on their phone, they left abruptly.”

Coetzer warns the community to be aware of such criminals.

“Make use of registered specialists and verify the existence of their company,” Coetzer said.

If anyone suspects they are being scammed, phone 10111. – @IschkeBoksburg