Scammers are targeting hijacking and car theft victims and swindling them out of money in order to release their ‘recovered’ vehicles.
This is according to the Brakpan police, who have issued a warning to residents not to fall prey to these criminals.
Capt Pearl van Staad, spokesperson for the local SAPS, told the Herald fake police officers are contacting victims and requesting payment for the vehicle to be released into the owner’s possession.
“There is a so-called Col Venter who called Yeoville SAPS asking for car hijacking and theft of motor vehicle cases,” she said.
“He said he works for the Provincial Gauteng Tactical Response Team. He is using the contact number 066 443 2809.”
Van Staad reiterated that this man is not a police officer.
“He is a bogus cop. Members of the public are warned not to comply or pay any money to receive or recover their motor vehicles,” she said.
Police have a designated tow truck and requests for payments will never be made.
If you have received such a call, report it to the Brakpan SAPS on 011 744 7100.
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