Police warn against fraud
Money Markets have become a breeding ground for fraud.
Randfontein Police through the Randfontein Detective Services have been investigating cases of fraud at Money Market kiosks found in convenience stores.
Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Karlien Coombe did an intensive study with regards to this kind of fraud taking place right under customer’s noses.
Captain Appel Ernst, spokesperson for the Randfontein police explained “People transfer money at theses Money Markets and are issued with an “M” number. In addition to this, the depositor provides a PIN number. These numbers are then required when someone else is withdrawing the money as well as an ID number.”
Ernst added, “Unfortunately this alleged foolproof method is not without flaw. WO Coombe noticed that people who deposit money do not keep the “M” and PIN number confidential as immediately after depositing money, they call and inform the recipient of the details in order to withdraw the money.
“As a result, criminals overhear this information and then use the information. One of the prerequisites of receiving the funds is that you produce an ID document however, these criminals do not want to be identified so they do not provide their ID numbers.
“The kiosk officials refuse to pay the money over to them but the criminals are manipulative and promise money or other goods to obtain the funds. The kiosk staff then assist with their ID documents, enabling the criminals to steal funds from unsuspecting people using the Money Market.
“The people involved can be charged with a criminal offence as they are promoting a crime.”
