Online scams and robberies have become an ongoing concern in the Alberton policing precinct, prompting swift action from the Alberton SAPS and CPS Security.

Their joint efforts led to the arrest of five suspects involved in separate criminal schemes.

Three of the criminals, who remain in custody, were charged by different police stations while detained for robbery-related offences.

They reportedly posed as police officers, targeting unsuspecting victims by smearing an unknown liquid on their shoulders. They would then confront the victims, claiming they needed to accompany them to the police station.

Once there, the criminals pretended to speak to someone inside before luring the victim into withdrawing all the funds from their accounts, which they would then steal.

In a separate incident, two people were arrested for theft after pretending to be employees at a shop.

They approached customers, offering them items at reduced prices. Once the customers handed over their money, the suspects fled in different vehicles.

Investigations led to their arrest and the recovery of victims’ cash, which was returned to its rightful owners.

Basic safety tips

The Alberton SAPS urges the public to remain vigilant and follow basic safety tips to avoid falling victim to cash robberies and scams:

Carry as little cash as possible;

Consider paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options);

Consider using cellphone banking, internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking;

Never take calls from unknown numbers from people claiming to be from the bank’s fraud department, or open your app when asked;

Never take calls from unknown numbers claiming to be from the bank, and never open your banking app when instructed over a call;

Do not buy cars or electrical items online or deposit money after being promised that goods will be sent or delivered once payment is reflected;

No bank will call and ask you to open your banking app when fraudulent activity is suspected on your account;

Never click or log on to any link sent to your phone by any person or company;

If you receive a call from a person claiming to be from the bank, hang up and personally visit your branch;

Never buy a car from the street. Go to the police to ask them to check whether it was stolen. Your local police are not trained to verify if a car is stolen. Only Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit members can.

Never do a cash send or pay money at the Money Market if you get a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, promising to make a case go away or saying your stolen vehicle was recovered and needs payment for towing;

All services offered by the police are free, so no payment is required. Always demand a bail receipt when paying bail at a police station.