Alleged ‘letterbox scam’ leaves Durban North residents concerned
"Provincial government is aware and is investigating," Shontel de Boer.
A LETTER, being placed into residents’ post boxes in the Durban North area, appears to be a type of scam, says ward councillor, Shontel de Boer.
READ ALSO: Beware of possible scammer in Durban North
The letter reads [sic]:
“This letter serves as a notice of Eviction Notice. Currently there are illegal foreign immigrants who are occupying Public Works Department buildings, they are not authorised to be living in those buildings hence they are living there illegally.
We have tasked the Public Work Department to give them notice to evacuate those buildings within 07 days.
Kindly take this notification of evection seriously because we will be evicting the illegal occupants from these buildings.
For further enquiries please contact Mr T Mkhize on 072 674 9344.”
“There is no official letterhead, however, the letter states that residents must contact an individual from the Department of Public Works,” said de Boer.
She added that a resident called her saying that four men, in a sedan, had frequented the area, and approached him when he was outside his property. Others told de Boer they had discarded the letter.
READ ALSO: Umgeni Park woman loses R50k in ‘financial planner’ scam
“The resident asked the men what he should do with the letter and was told by one of the four men that he must call the number and find out. Provincial government is aware and is investigating,” she said.
De Boer urges residents not to give in to these men and their demands.
“It’s possibly a scam of some sort. For your safety, please do not engage in conversation with these men or call the number on the letter,” she said.
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