Couple warns against domestic worker scam

A COWIES Hill couple is urging residents to be cautious of the ‘domestic worker’ scam that has resurfaced in the Highway area.

Brian (77) and Merle Jefferies (73) were almost scammed of R3 000 recently when they received a call from an unidentified man who informed them that they their domestic worker, Agatha Majola, had died and that he required funds for her funeral.

The Jefferies, who received the first call on their landline, were devasted when they received the news about Majola’s alleged death as she has been a part of their family for the past 45 years. They immediately tried to contact Agatha, who was at her house, but her number went straight to voicemail.

Brian was ordered to transfer the money using the e-wallet system with a ID number and contact details provided by the man. Fortunately, the teller at the bank advised him that the money could not be transferred as the ID number and cell phone did not match.

“When the contact details did not match I called the number he had given me and told him I am unable to deposit the funds with those details. He then gave me another ID number which also did not work.

“He kept calling me to ask if I had deposited the money. Another woman also called and demanded that the money to be transferred. Eventually I went to a local shopping centre and they informed me that this is a scam,” said Brian, who has increased the security measures at their home following this scam.

“The man and woman also told us that they will be coming to our house to collect Agatha’s belongings. Luckily we found a contact book which contained a cell phone number for Agatha’s brother, Richard Majola.

“When we called him he said Agatha is alive and well and she is sitting outside, speaking to his wife. These people are evil and they play on our emotions,” added Merle.

The Jefferies finally managed to speak to Agatha, who informed them that she had received a call from a man earlier that morning who claimed to be from her service provider.

“The man told me that I had to switch my phone off until 2pm because I was sharing my line with someone else and they needed to fix the problem,” said Agatha.

The couple is warning residents to not fall victim to this scam which caused their family three hours of emotional trauma.

Their advice to residents is, “If you receive a call to inform you that someone close to you has died, verify it. We know it’s difficult because you get into a state of shock and can’t think straight, but the news must be confirmed before making any deposits.”

The incident was reported to the Westville SAPS.