SCAMMERS are using the recent Durban storms that devastated parts of the city to con unsuspecting residents. A total of 14 people died when the storm hit two weeks ago. Now the eThekwini Municipality has issued a warning about con artists posing as municipality officials with the intention of robbing them off their money.
According to the city, the scammers prey on the vulnerable by claiming they were there to register people who were affected while charging them a fee.
Tozi Mthethwa, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson said, “It has come to our attention that certain unscrupulous individuals are fraudulently posing as eThekwini officials who have been sent by the Mayor to register people affected by the recent storms.
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“It is alleged that these culprits are charging vulnerable people a fee for the alleged registration. The municipality would like to strongly condemn this behaviour and assures members of the public that no payment is required for them to receive any type of assistance from government,” said Mthethwa.
The city has urged residents to be wary of this criminal behaviour and be cautious when allowing people into their homes. Those whose homes have been damaged by the storm are encouraged to report it to their local councillor or call the Disaster Management Centre 031 361 0000.
Meanwhile, Dunlop South Africa has also issued a warning against fraudsters promising employment with the tyre company. Riaz Haffejee, CEO at Sumitomo Rubber South Africa (SRSA) said the employment offers have not been issued by the company.
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“We do not hire individuals under the Dunlop name as this is a brand within the SRSA stable. All employment is done under the corporate company name being SRSA. We have escalated the matter to the SAPS and opened a case against the individuals running this scam,”said Haffejee.
