A DURBAN North woman has just called the Northglen News with news on a conman who she says is blatantly conning bed and breakfast establishments.
The woman, who did not want to be named, said the white man targets B&Bs in the Durban North and uMhlanga areas, as well as in Morningside. His modus operandi, she said was to go to a B&B, tell staff he is only staying a few days. He provides a number for a contact person who will make the payment for the stay. He then leaves about three days later without paying.
The number provided by the man leads to that of an acquaintance of the conman and not the person who he said would be making payment.
Heather Hunter from the National Accommodation Association of South Africa said they were aware of a conman and similar tactics years ago. She said the association knew him as a man who came from a well known Durban North family. “He was conning people a few years ago. His father wanted nothing to do with him. He was eventually arrested. It could be the same man making an appearance again.
“It is important that B&Bs verify all the information that is given to them by guests. Each institution has to fill in a register, by law, with the names and details of each guest. If a guest claims that a company or individual will be paying for the stay, they need to verify that then and there,” Hunter said.
She urged B&B organisations to join forces to create a network, which the association provides, where they can warn each other when the conman makes his appearance. They can also report such incidents to the police immediately and report it to the National Accommodation Association of South Africa on 031 561 3795 or email info@naa.co.za
Have you been conned as well? Let us know. Email rianettej@dbn.caxton.co.za
