THE RECORD previously reported on a scam where the owners of stolen cars are contacted by false police officers claiming that they need to pay them to secure recovery of the vehicle.
More of these cases have been reported.
A 43-year-old man from Brackendowns received a call from a person who alleged he is investigating the theft of his motor vehicle. The vehicle was reported stolen at Brackendowns Police Station earlier this month.
The so-called investigating officer asked a few questions about the vehicle such as whether the vehicle was fitted with any tracking devices. The complainant was surprised because all that information was mentioned in his statement.
The next day the alleged investigating officer phoned back with “good news” that the vehicle was recovered in Limpopo. He asked the complainant to deposit an amount of R1 500 using e-wallet so the vehicle can be brought back to Brackendowns.
The vigilant vehicle owner suspected foul play and reported a fraud case at Brackendowns SAPS.
Several cases of fraud were reported at police stations within the Ekurhuleni West Cluster (Brackendowns, Katlehong, Alberton, Bedfordview and Germiston),” said Sgt Lindi Moloi, spokesperson for Brackendowns SAPS.
“SAPS is busy with an investigation and are doing everything in their power to get to the bottom of this, especially to establish how the person obtained personal details of the complainants and their stolen vehicles.
“When vehicles are recovered, the owner must go to the SAPS pound in person with personal documents and vehicle registration papers as proof. No payment is required at police pounds or at police stations to get stolen vehicles back. The owner can also appoint an insurance company to collect the vehicle from the pound on their behalf if there are any damages to the vehicle.”
Report any suspicious persons, vehicles (especially ones without number plates) or circumstances to the police immediately by phoning the 10111 emergency number. Information with regards to crime can be given to the police anonymously by phoning 08600 10111 or by sending an SMS to 32211.
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