Beware of investment scam, warns KZN police

DETECTIVES in KwaZulu-Natal are urging members of the public to steer clear of people who are intent on conning them out of their hard earned cash through various scams.

KZN police spokesperson, Cpt Nqobile Gwala, said, “It is equally disturbing to find that members of the public are willing to hand over their money to people who claim to be involved in illegal activities such as dealing in precious metals and stones.”

This warning follows the increase in reports from people who have been swindled out of large sums of money by con artists.

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In March, a Durban man was deceived and robbed of a large amount of cash by criminals in Richards Bay.

“It is alleged the victim was lured from Durban to Richards Bay to purchase platinum. He was presented with a bar which he was made to believe contained platinum. After negotiations, he handed over the cash and was told to wait at a mall for the delivery of the merchandise. The delivery did not materialise and when he tried to contact the fraudsters, their phones were switched off,” she said.

A case of theft by false pretences was opened for further investigation.

“Such scams are rife and offers that are too good to be true turn out to be not true. Citizens are urged not to commit crimes by investing in illegal deals that involve precious stones and metals,” she said.

Anyone who is approached by such con artists are urged to contact their local police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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