Durban North SAPS warn residents over discount scam
The suspects pose as store clerks offering people discounts on items.
DURBAN North police have urged shoppers and residents not to fall victim to the ‘discount scam’ in stores in Durban North and uMhlanga. According to police, at least three cases have been reported recently. The scam involves two suspects, pretending to work for the store you are shopping in, offering you a discount.
According to a police source, in the latest incident, the suspects approached a woman at a clothing store, offering her a discount for the items she wanted to purchase.
“The victim was reluctant after she was approached by the first suspect, who told her she worked at the clothing store. The suspect offered to get her the clothing items on discount and told her if she handed over the cash, she would take it to the till and bring the victim her change and clothing items.
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“Not convinced, a second suspect, also pretending to be a store employee, stepped in. After talking for a while the victim relented and handed over the cash and the items. The second suspect then led the victim away from the till. According to the reports the woman only realised what was going on after she witnessed the first suspect rushing out the store with the items and her change,” the source said.
Haden Searles, chairman of the Durban North and uMhlanga community policing forum, said the scam is a longstanding one.
“This scam has come in different guises over the year. Sometimes the suspects would take the money and dump the items in the store before fleeing. I would encourage victims to report this crime to police as often vulnerable people are targeted.
“If it is too good to be true then it probably is. If shoppers are uneasy in situations like this, contact the store manager or a store clerk at a till to find out if it is legitimate. Never hand over your money to anyone claiming to be a store representative offering you a discount,” Searles said.
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