Beware of extortion scam warns Durban North SAPS

OVER the past month, Durban North SAPS has fielded several calls from concerned members of the public who have reported a possible extortion scam.

The spokesperson for the station, Captain Raymond Deokaran, said those involved in the scam ask for between R3 000 and R6 000 to allegedly make a ‘criminal case go away’.

“The victims are contacted by a fake police officer who operates under different aliases. Typically though, the rank of the officer is normally a captain. They inform the victim that a warrant of arrest has been issued for them on whatever charge is conjured up. They then say to the victim, if they want to avoid being arrested, they need to pay an amount specified by the scam artists involved. Some of the victims claim they hear police radios in the background and then come down to the station to inquire.

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“We’ve fielded several calls and had concerned members of the public come to us to ask where to pay the money. This is without a doubt a scam and we are warning the public to be aware of this situation. Luckily, all those who have been in contact with the station have not paid any money to the suspects. It must be said police will never ask for money to make a criminal case go away. Another important thing to bear in mind is that the police will not call to say there is a warrant of arrest in your name,” he said.

Deokaran urged members of the public not to pay any money to the suspects involved in the scam.

“Contact your nearest police station, but we urge members of the public never to pay any money to those involved,” he said.