The Naledi SAPS is investigating a case of fraud after a 50-year-old man was promised R675 000, but was defrauded R54 000. The man reported that, in October he received two messages from a cell number which is currently in possession of the police, informing him that he would receive cash amounting to R675 000.
He was told that he must first deposit R10 000 in cash for processing the money he was supposed to receive. He further stated that he received phone calls from the same number informing him that the money is still outstanding, so he further deposited money amounting which totaled to R54 000 in different occasions.
The investigations are under way and the police are hoping to make an arrest soon. The police are informing the public to be vigilant when it comes to such scams and report the matter as soon as they are contacted by unknown numbers with claims of receiving money. Since the festive season is drawing near, many people would be withdrawing large amounts of cash that they have saved up during the year, Naledi SAPS would like to issue the following tips for people and businesses to avoid being victims of cash robberies.
- Carry as little cash as possible.
- Consider making use of cellphone banking, internet transfers or ATM’s to do your banking.
- Alternate your days and times on which you deposit cash.
- Do not openly display the money you are depositing while standing at bank queue.
- Avoid carrying money bags, briefcase or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.
- If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company
