TZANEEN – PEOPLE have been warned to be cautious of fraudsters who use fake identification documents to swindle people and financial institutions.
According to Tzaneen cluster police spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the police had recently received several complaints from residents who had fallen victim to these fraudsters.
“The fraudsters get access to your ID number and reproduce an ID book with their photos on; with this fraudulent ID book, they go to the bank and apply for a personal loan,” Ngoepe said.
They also access your mobile or cell-phone banking system and start to transfer your money to their bank accounts.
“Sometimes they will call you and promise you a quick personal loan if you do advance payment said to be for administration purposes and immediately you deposit this money, all their phones are no more accessible and they are nowhere to be found,” Ngoepe said.
He said since April last year, about R130 000 has been swindled in the Tzaneen cluster through fraudulent activities.
Ngoepe advised people not to pay any advance money for a loan, and to always keep their identity documents and -number safe.
Anyone with information can contact Const Andrew Ngobeni at 073 618 7850 or 082 708 3345, Col James Espach at 082 451 7169, the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or crime line 32211.
