Man scammed out of R14 000 at licensing station

About three weeks ago another resident was scammed at the Florida Licensing Station, but this time out of a shocking R14 000, said a close relative.

The pensioner went to renew his driving licence and as usual had to stand in a long queue. A man approached him and told him his brother is a supervisor inside and for a nominal fee he would have his documents processed and license issued. Being elderly and and tired the victim agreed and disappeared inside. After a while he received a call from the “uncle” saying he needed more money and the victim obliged. He went to an ATM, drew the money and gave it to the go-between. The amounts he had to keep on paying kept increasing and he was then told that since they have access to all his personal details and address he should not tell anyone otherwise there “would be repercussions,” said the relative

After four hours the man had paid R14 000 and then was told by a security guard, who allegedly was watching the whole time, that it was a scam.

Due to the fact that the relative had a change of heart fearing for her family’s well being might be at stake she stopped talking to the Record and it is unclear whether the man actually received his licence or whether the “uncle” was really an employee.

It seems not to be an isolated incident though since another resident told the Record that while visiting the licensing satellite station at Roodepoort Town Hall she overheard to men discussing a similar scam and how much the should try and get out of their victim.

Metro Police spokesperson Wayne Minnar could not be reached for comment but the Metro Police Department has warned numerous times in the past that visitors at the station should not engage with anyone except employees inside. They have also stressed in the past that there are no shortcuts.

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