Dead domestic worker scam has a new twist

PINETOWN police would like to warn domestic workers and their employers against scammers who pose as department of home affairs employees.

According to Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Lt Bongumusa Manqele, it is alleged that these people would phone the domestic worker on the landline and introduce themselves as home affairs employees.

“They then ask the domestic worker for his or her details as well as employment history.

“When it’s the domestic worker’s day off, they would phone the employer and pretend to be family members of the domestic worker.

Manqele added that they would inform the employer that their employee has died and there is no money for burial.

“They would ask the employer to deposit money for the burial at one of the chain stores. “Police would like to urge employers to verify information before making a deposit,” said Manqele

The scammers are currently operating in the areas of Hillcrest and Kloof.