Thieves steal Gui’s tyres and identity
Witbank Police Station continues to warn the community about the ongoing scam activities
Many community members have become victims of fraud or scams including Mr Gui Hodgson from Del Judor 4.
Thieves not only took Mr Hodgson’s tyres but also his identity.
WITBANK NEWS previously reported about Mr Hodgson’s loss of tyres.
He told WITBANK NEWS that he woke up on Saturday, February 15, to go to work and realised that all the tyres of his bakkie were stolen.
The thieves also managed gain acces into the vehicle and took Mr Hodgson’s documents.
He realised on Sunday afternoon, March 1 that his account cards could have been cloned.
“My accounts were cleared out, there was no money left. I also got an SMS on Wednesday, March 4 saying: “thank you for your purchase at Cashbuild in Tweefontein.”
Mr Hodgson managed to block the cards.
“I had to cancel all my accounts and change every password that I could think of. I just pray I remember the new passwords.”
He was upset about the whole situation but found comfort in these words: “I trust in God and I stand on His promises. We take nothing with us from this life when we die. Do not hold onto things, be a good steward of what you have and protect it as best you can, but do not put hope in these things, they are only temporary. God restores, thats where I put my hope.”
Witbank Police Station continues to warn the community about the ongoing scam activities.
The station’s communications officer, Captain Eddie Hall, encouraged the community to not leave any important documents in your vehicle.
“Always put important documents in a safe place and never leave your identification number in sight for anyone to see it.”
The South African Police Services (SAPS) provide a few tips on how to avoid scams such to never believe your caller ID because scammers can fake caller ID information.
* Never agree to pay upfront for loans and a job.
* Before you give up your money or personal information, talk to someone you trust. Con artists want you to make decisions in a hurry and may threaten you to take their offer.
* Hang up on “robocalls.” If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sale pitch, hang up the phone call and never press “one” for more assistance.
Be sceptical about free trial offers. Before you agree to a free trial, research the company and read the cancellation policy.
* Always consider how you pay. Credit cards have significant fraud protection built-in, but some payment methods don’t. Government offices and honest companies won’t require you to use wire money through reloadable cards and gift cards.
