Beware of Hillcrest ‘stranded’ con artists

VARIOUS warnings have been posted on social media after two individuals attempted to scam unsuspecting residents in the Hillcrest area. A concerned resident, who is employed at the Richdens Centre in Hillcrest, shared details about the pair’s modus operandi.

He said, “I am concerned for the safety and well-being of the upper Highway residents as two individuals have been approaching people at various shopping centres and fuel stations, asking for money. They claim to live in Durban North and need taxi fare to get home but they have been spotted almost every day in different locations over the last two weeks.

“Their story changes every time and a few employees of other stores have told me that they may be addicts. One gent is a short Caucasian fellow, no more than 25 years of age. The other is a taller gent with orange hair. They work as a team, cornering elderly people outside of the old-age home across from Richdens.”

Angie Sclanders, one of the victims who was almost scammed by the men, posted a warning on the Upper Highway Facebook page and said, “While loading my shopping into my car at Hillcrest Corner, I was approached by a quite a polite young man who asked me if I live close by. I was very vague when answering him, as I became suspicious as to where this was leading.

“He said that he had been at the Lazy Lizard last night and his friends had left him behind. He said he lives in Durban North and needed a lift back home, and that the police were not willing to help him, and that he had no money for a taxi, although had promised the taxi driver he would pay him when he was dropped at home.

“I suggested he contact Uber, to which he said they were too expensive. He clearly wanted money. When he heard that I (genuinely) did not have any on me, and then spotting a Metro car slowly driving past, he hoofed it and disappeared. He did not seem legit at all. And he did not look like he had had a wild night – hair too perfect. Sorry for such a long story, but I have to warn everyone.”

Pinetown SAPS communication officer, Lt Bongumusa Manqele, urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious people lurking around the community to local authorities.

“If you’re suspicious of the person then don’t entertain them. It’s most likely a scam. If you fall for their story it encourages them to continue to scam other unsuspecting residents,” said Manqele.