Notorious ‘holiday scammers’ strike
Alleged con artists who have found themselves on the radar of Mike Bolhuis and his team and operate countrywide have struck Middelburg.
Several agents who claim to operate on behalf of Ortus, a travel agency, hosted a seminar in Middelburg after renting a local venue, where roughly 10 couples were persuaded to part with their hard-earned money for limitless travel at a bargain.
According to an anonymous complainant, his wife was called by an agent from Ortus to inform her she had won a holiday package. To collect their prize, they had to attend the seminar which was hosted on Saturday morning in one of the conference halls at the Middelburg Country Club.
The couple attended the seminar alongside nine or 10 other couples, where at least 10 agents claiming to represent Ortus offered a variety of holiday or travel packages.
“The main agent, whom I believe was identified as Corne Schwartz by Specialised Security Services (SSS – Mike Bolhuis’ private investigation company), did a presentation on a lifetime travel package, which they valued at R25 000 for a lump sum payment of R7 945, or a monthly instalment of R230.”
The resident became suspicious during the presentation and, after doing an online search of the company, noticed that SSS had issued a public scam alert.
“I made an excuse when they insisted that we sign up for the package, but I am not sure whether any of the other couples attending the seminar fell for the scam.”
According to Mike Bolhuis, SSS receives numerous complaints daily about people across the country losing thousands of rands through the alleged scam.
According to the SSS Knock and Scam Project, three individuals, identified as Corne Schwartz, Roche Smith and Corrie Ferreira, claim to represent the company called Ortus or Ortusgo.com.
The company, which presents a very professional online profile is ‘unregistered and suspicious’ by hiding its ownership and executive information as well as operating as an unregulated investment platform that serves as a pyramid scheme, according to Bolhuis.
The company allegedly conducts seminars selling a variety of holiday or travel packages, where victims are pressured into purchasing these packages, and immediate payments are insisted on.
“All of the accounts into which our clients have made payments have been closed, and victims who request refunds are met with intimidation and threats.”
SSS also alleges that the company offers virtual shares in OT-Fund, which is illegal and constitutes fraud.
According to Bolhuis and his team, they are aware of more than ten criminal cases being opened against the company and the three individuals.
However, arrest warrants have not been issued, and most cases are handled as civil suits because victims willingly make payments and submit their personal information.
“The public should exercise extreme caution, especially during school holidays and with the festive season approaching. We have observed a sharp increase in holiday or travel scams, and people are losing thousands through them,” Bolhuis warned.
• It could not be confirmed whether any Middelburg residents attending the seminar were defrauded.
• The Middelburg Country Club, which was approached to rent out a conference hall for the seminar, declined to comment.
• The multiple attempts to reach Ortus for comment on these allegations, as well as the allegations against its representatives, have remained unanswered.
• An online search of Ortus resulted in numerous complaints, including the refusal of refunds and unauthorised financial deductions on Facebook, HelloPeter and LinkedIn.
