According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe, in recent times, the police have received complaints from some members of the public who have fallen victim to the tricks of fraudsters.

“The fraudsters get access to your ID number and reproduce an ID book with their photos on, with this fraudulent ID book, they go to the bank and apply for a personal loan,” said Ngoepe.

They also access your mobile or cell-phone banking system and start to transfer your money to their bank accounts.

“Sometimes they would call you and promised you a quick personal loan if you do advance payment said to be for administration purposes and immediately you deposit this money, all their phones are no more accessible and they are nowhere to be found,”

Ngoepe said since April last year, about R130 000 has been lost in the Tzaneen cluster through fraudulent activities.

Ngoepe advice members of the public not to pay any advance money for a loan, always keep ID books, bank cards or numbers safe.

Anyone with information regarding the fraudsters, is requested to contact Detective Constable Andrew Ngobeni at 073 618 7850 or 082 708 3345 or Colonel James Espach at 082 451 7169 or the nearest police station or the Police Crime Stop number 0860010111 or crime line 32211, for 24/7.