‘Tar contractor’ scam hits Umkomaas, KZN

Beware of scammers using tarring service advertisements frequently seen at intersections and on road-sides, warns Capt Shaik of the Umkomaas SAPS, Mid South Coast Rising Sun reports.

In a recent incident, a resident in Centre Street, Saiccor Village, responded to such an advertisement offering tarring services.

READ MORE: Beware ‘one ring’ scam calls from international number, police warn

She called the number and a male answered and agreed to give a quote for the job.

She gave him her physical address.

On October 20 at 10am, “the tar man” contacted her on WhatsApp stating that he was from Durban and would be coming to give her a quote.

On November 25, he gave her a quote that she accepted, and he indicated that he would commence work soon. On November 27, he arrived at 6.30 in a gold-coloured Volvo and left two workmen who started to prepare the site.

On the same day at 5pm when he came to fetch his workers, he requested R7 000, which she gave him.

The next day they came back to work, and at the end of the day he requested another R7 000 assuring her that would complete the work the following day.

She gave him the money, but when they did not arrive for work the next day, her worst fears were realised.

On November 29, she called the man several times, but the call went to voicemail.

With the belief that she was scammed for R14 000, she reported the matter to the Umkomaas police.

The SAPS has cautioned against the temptation of accepting services at discounted prices and more especially in giving work and making payments to strangers who cannot be traced.

“This is a case of inviting thieves onto one’s premises and it is a warning to others to exercise the utmost caution,” said Captain Shaik.

Beware ‘one ring’ scam calls from international number, police warn

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