RESIDENTS are urged to be aware of a con man who is operating in the area.
According to a report by the CPF Mayville Sector 1b chairman, a man living in Manor Gardens was almost conned by a man going by the name of Ricardo.
On Monday 12 June, the resident received a phone call where he was addressed by a man by the name of Andrew Lewis from head office at the electricity department, saying the department had not received his pensioner rebate application.
When the resident said he had done this, he was told the department would be giving pensioners a rebate on the proposed new big increases which could save him R 1000 a month. He was told a man by the name of Ricardo Naidoo would visit him, and he was given a reference number.
A few minutes later he was called and told Naidoo was in the area and would see him.
When the man arrived, the resident asked to see the man's ID, he had none but despite this, the resident let him in.
The resident said he got increasingly wary as 'Ricardo' wanted to see his electricity bill, and then also demanded to see his and his wife's ID books and his credit card statement.
'Ricardo' told him he would arrange for the resident to pay no more than R600 monthly if he qualified, and they would install an inverter at no charge.
At this point, the resident said he realised this man was a con artist and fetched his camera to take 'Ricardo's' photo. He then asked to look at all the paperwork that he had filled in. 'Ricardo' deleted his image.
When the resident told him he was calling the police and would not let him out, the man tossed his bag over the fence and climbed over it and fled.
The resident followed the man in his car and got hold of a detective, who persuaded him that he should let the matter rest, since there would not be enough cause to arrest him.
The officer had already taken his details and photograph.
Residents are urged to be aware of this con artist, as he is practised and good at what he does. Be sure not to be caught and warn your neighbours.
