Pastor Mark Penrith of the Benoni Baptist Church in Farrarmere is urging the management and staff of old age homes, retirement villages, and independent living complexes for the elderly to protect residents against scammers.

On February 3, two residents of an independent living complex for the elderly in Rynfield, the name of which was not given to Benoni City Times, were swindled out of nearly R13 000 by a man and woman claiming to represent the Benoni Baptist Church.

According to a source affiliated with the complex, who wished to remain anonymous, she received a call from a man claiming to be from the church, requesting to deliver gift vouchers as a token of goodwill for its residents.

“I thought it was a kind gesture and gave permission for the vouchers to be delivered to the on-site security office,” she said.

“CCTV footage shows a man and woman wearing similar shirts arriving at the facility in a grey Nissan hatchback.”

The pair successfully gained access to the complex, going door to door to deliver the alleged vouchers directly to the residents.

“Upon gaining entry to one of the residents’ homes, the pair requested the victim’s ID number, photo and cellphone number. The information was captured on a duplicate invoice book, of which a copy was left with her,” said the source.

“The two then made their way to the adjacent unit, where the 86-year-old resident declined their offer due to ailing eyesight. The male suspect allegedly requested to use the resident’s bathroom facilities before leaving.

“They were seen leaving in a white Ford Puma. It has since been established that the vehicle’s registration plate is false.”

Alarm bells were sounded when the first resident received a notification from her bank that a total of R1 500 had been transferred from her account, shortly followed by another transfer of R10 000.

“Later, the elderly male victim noticed sales transactions being deducted from his account. He immediately requested assistance, and that is when he noticed that his bank card was missing from his wallet,” said the source.

“More than R1 400’s worth of transactions at fast food outlets and convenience stores were made. The matter was reported, and the card was cancelled by the designated banking institution’s fraud department.”

Penrith issued a statement condemning the incident, targeted at the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“We would like to make it clear that any communication from the church comes from direct and official channels and known church leaders,” he said.

“We urge families, caregivers, management and staff of those living in retirement facilities to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be representatives of the church, before granting anyone access or sharing residents’ personal information.

Enquiries may be directed to the church office on 011 425 1992 or email office@benonibaptistchurch.com

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He appealed to elderly members of the community to exercise great caution before sharing personal information, identification documents, banking information, and photographs with unknown individuals.

“We pray that those responsible will be brought to book and that their victims’ losses will be reimbursed,” he said.

“We remain watchful without panic, caring without fear, trusting the Lord as our refuge and shepherd.”

Two cases of fraud were reported to the Benoni Police Station.

The police station’s spokesperson, Captain Nomsa Sekele cautioned the city’s elderly to not engage with strangers who is requesting personal information.

“Trust no one and when in doubt request the assistance of a caregiver, family or friends,” she said.

“Criminals will stop at nothing to gain access to unsuspecting elderly persons’ hard earned money.”

Anyone with information that could assist in investigations into this matter is urged to call CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app.

Information can be shared anonymously.

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