Durban North SAPS warns of two scams
According to the police, in some instances the victim arrives at the meeting place is accosted, tied with sellotape, assaulted and robbed. Thereafter they are forced to remove funds from their account using their banking app. The victim is then left in the room until help arrives.
DURBAN NORTH SAPS detectives are warning the community to be aware of a dating scam with two modus operandi.
The detectives have offered tips to those who use dating sites to look for companionship.
“In the first scenario, the victim looks for love on a dating site and once they find a suitable match, the ‘companion’ asked the victim to meet at a hotel or bed and breakfast,” said Captain Carmen Rhynes, Ethekwini District Communication spokesperson.
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The victim arrives at the meeting place and is accosted, tied with sellotape, assaulted and robbed. Thereafter they are forced to remove funds from their account using their banking app. The victim is then left in the room until help arrives.
“The second scam is similar to the first, except the alleged perpetrators’ interests would be business-related and is looking to conduct business deals with prospective clients. The ‘clients’ are criminals using the same modus operandi,” she added.
Captain Rhynes urged hotels and bed and breakfast establishments to obtain the necessary information of the person making a booking, such as ID document/driver’s license and their residential address.
“It is important to do this, so that when such incidents occur, the suspects can be traced. In the above incidences, most rooms are booked with cash and only a name is given which is most likely false,” she said.
“Members of the community need to be alert and ensure they meet the person they are dealing with for the first time, in a public place and not behind closed doors,” advised Captain Rhynes.
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She added that in today’s growing technological world, many feel safe to meet strangers in the comfort of their homes, behind computer screens on the internet.
“This is still however not safe as a computer or personal cellphone can give a false sense of security and safety because the person is in the safety of their own home. The internet and social media can have positive attributes but may also have negative effects if not monitored or used correctly. I encourage everyone to use the internet and its sites and apps with wisdom and responsibility,” she added.
Captain Rhynes also urged parents to educate their children about the safety of the internet and various apps.
“As a parent, we might think our children are safe because they are at home in their bedroom, however, they may be conversing and meeting up with strangers without your knowledge. It is important to have strict and safe boundaries for one’s self and for those you love,” she added.
Contact Captain Balram from Durban North SAPS Detectives if you know of similar incidents on 079 696 363.
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