Car wash scam: Thieves pose as vehicle owners
The modus operandi of the vehicle-theft syndicate is to pretend to be the owner or to collect the car on behalf of the owner from the car wash.
THE Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) has issued a warning to motorists using car washes in the greater Durban area about a rising trend of vehicle theft.
According to the CCPO, many people often leave their vehicles at car washes while they go shopping and so forth.
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“There have been a number of incidents around the greater Durban area where someone arrives at the car wash to collect the vehicle on behalf of the owner or even pretend to be the owner. This is a scam and they steal the vehicle,” read a statement.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, the CCPO strongly recommends that vehicle owners take proactive measures when using car washes.
“We suggest you leave instructions with the car wash to only release the vehicle to you, or ask the car wash what procedures are in place to prevent this happening. If you are not happy with their procedure, then make use of another car wash.”
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