THE spike in the number of fraudulent activities reported in the Pinetown area has put the local police on high alert, and they have urged residents to be cautious.

This fraudulent activity involves a woman fraudster who usually preys on the elderly, some of whom have lost large sums of money.

Constable Amanda Ngwenya, of the Pinetown SAPS detective unit: economic crimes group, said this suspect seems to be thorough when gathering information on the targets. She visits them and details police investigations which require the unknowing victims to hand over their belongings such as bank cards and Pins, as well as cellphones and other access Pins, for example, online banking details.

Ngwenya said that once the fraud has been committed, it is difficult to trace and arrest the suspect because they use the victim’s details, and the suspect does not leave any digital footprint.

The police are yet to determine how the suspect convincingly identifies as a police officer.

“This person, we do not know whether they are a police officer or someone who is impersonating a police officer,” said Ngwenya.

Also read: WATCH: Cops caution on rocketing cases of fraud on Facebook

The communications officer of the SAPS in Pinetown, Jennifer Naidu, said the police are investigating a series of incidents involving this woman suspect, described as being of mixed race.

“She may appear either Indian or coloured, but she has been posing as a police officer or financial representative. She has approached elderly residents at their homes, convincing them to hand over cellphones, bank cards, and personal information, which has led to substantial financial losses. Let’s be clear, this is one individual carrying out these scams. She is using deceit and the appearance of authority to gain trust. Depending on her clothing and presentation, some describe her as Indian, while others believe she may be of uncertain descent, with features that could be perceived as either Indian or of mixed descent. This confusion in her appearance is part of what makes her harder to identify,” said Naidu.

Naidu stressed that the SAPS urged residents not to lose trust in legitimate police officers, but rather to use caution in suspicious situations.

“If someone claiming to be a police officer comes to your home and asks for your phone, bank card, or Pins, you have every right to say, ‘I’ll go to the station myself.’ It’s always better to be safe than sorry,” said Naidu.

Also read: ‘She said she was a cop’ – Pinetown pensioners scammed out of half a million rand

Naidu said in addition to these impersonation scams, Pinetown SAPS have also seen a rise in mobile-related fraud, including phone hacking where victims’ phones are accessed remotely, leading to identity theft and unauthorised transactions; fake competitions and give-aways where scammers lure people in via SMS or messaging apps, telling them they’ve won prize. These first require a deposit or delivery fee, but once the victims have paid, they never receive the promised items.

Naidu also warned that once hacked, fraudsters use the victim’s contact list on the phone to defraud people.

“Rather than making phone calls, these criminals are now sending WhatsApp and Telegram messages on your behalf, using your photos to make it appear as though they are you. They claim you’ve changed numbers or need urgent help, tricking your friends and family into sharing sensitive information or making payments. If you receive messages like this, be cautious and confirm directly with the person you supposedly are communicating with.

“These scams are becoming more sophisticated. We’re sharing this detailed report not to alarm you, but to ensure you take this seriously and protect yourself and your loved ones.

“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Report it to your police station on  082 557 8282 or call Radio Control Room on 10111 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Your report could prevent someone else from being targeted. Let’s stay alert, speak up, and work together to keep Pinetown safe. Our whole team, who are handling these fraud cases, has come together because we care about our community and cannot stand by while these criminals continue to harm you. We need your help. If you notice anything suspicious, no matter how minor it may seem, report it. No one has the right to steal from you, and every report, big or small, gives us a clearer picture of what’s happening. Reporting helps us build the true reflection of crime in our area, and that’s how we will catch these criminals,” said Naidu.

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