Fraudster poses as Ekurhuleni employee, walks away with money
Business owners in Third Street were outraged when they were scammed on Friday morning.
Cynthia Seymour, an employee at the business, says a man showed up in their shop, claiming to be from Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.
“He introduced himself to me as ‘Gerrie’ and gave me a false cellphone number that does not exist,” she says outraged.
‘Gerrie’ approached Cynthia on Friday and said that their electricity box has gotten wet from underground and that they have to replace the entire system.
According to Cynthia, he told her that the power will be cut on Friday afternoon and will only return on Wednesday.
“He even told me that he isn’t allowed to do it but that he will do it for us ‘under the radar’.”
Cynthia then called one of the owners, Marinda Gouws, to further assist the man.
“He said he has to go buy a double adapter for the electrical box, so that when the power goes out, we will still have electricity and that he can get it cheap,” says Marinda.
The women then went next door to the other owner of the shop, Ann Booyse, who gave them the R300 the man asked for to buy the adapter.
“And he never came back,” Ann says.
The women find it hard to believe that they have been duped by this middle-aged man and wish to warn other business owners and residents not to fall for this trick.
“Make sure they have valid and proper identification on them which states that what they are saying is true,” Ann warns.
Ann adds that she was very skeptical at first, but gave him the money anyway.
“He was extremely convincing,” Cynthia concludes.
The Addie is awaiting comment from the metro on how to distinguish between Ekurhuleni employees and fraudsters.
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