Fake diamonds, notes and alleged con artists nabbed by Umbilo SAPS
Collaborated security-cluster operation has led to the arrest of three suspects who were nabbed in the act at the Umbilo Vehicle Licensing Office. The suspects use social media to pose as buyers of advertised items to con and rob owners. Victims are urged to come forward.
WANTED suspects in connection with organised thefts were apprehended during the act on Monday (July 28), when they targeted an unsuspecting vehicle owner in Umbilo with the aim to con him.
Captain Greg Beavon of Durban Metro Police Street Crime Unit said, “These suspects normally approach people who have advertised their motor vehicles for sale on social media platforms. They then organise a meeting location – Umbilo Motor Licensing Office. During the process of making an offer, they produce ‘diamonds’ (glass) and make a deal. Obviously, the seller later discovers they have been duped.”
Beavon added that the suspects also used fake money. “In this particular matter, the victims handed their phones to the suspects who then disappeared, leaving the victims phoneless. They are very good con artists.”
Also read: How to protect yourself from common online scams
When the suspects were arrested on Monday, the police team recognised that one of them had once been arrested earlier this year, having been found with fake money and fake diamonds. The suspects were transported to Umbilo SAPS where they were detained and identified by previous victims.
Umbilo SAPS spokesperson Captain Pumzile Biyana confirmed the incident and added that the suspects were charged with theft and remained in custody.
Residents who are selling their possessions on social media are cautioned against shady ‘buyers’.
Also read: Social media scams on the rise, says Durban SAPS
The Metro Police Street Crimes Unit collaborated with Blue Security’s CCPU in this operation, along with DRK security, TRSS and Homeland Security.
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