KLCBT erects sign to warn tourists of scams
They (the tourists) are advised that there is a toll gate in the area, but that it is broken and tourists need to go with them to the closest ATM to buy a toll gate pass.
LYDENBURG – Over the past year various tourists, in particular overseas tourists, have been scammed at ATMs in town. So much so, that the Kruger Lowveld Chamber for Business and Tourism (KLCBT) in association with Lydenburg/Mashishing Business Chamber (LMBC) has, on Friday, erected a sign on the Dullstroom Rroad leading towards town warning people of these criminal activities.
According to Ms Lisa Sheard of KLCBT it was brought under their attention that various scams were taking place at ATMs in Lydenburg and substantial amounts of money had been stolen from tourists’ bank accounts.
“Tourists are pulled off the road by “officials” posing as police or “toll road” police. They (the tourists) are advised that there is a toll gate in the area, but that it is broken and tourists need to go with them to the closest ATM to buy a toll gate pass. The unsuspecting tourists then accompany the bogus officials to the ATM, where they are scammed of their card details and large sums of money are withdrawn from their accounts.”
She said that these withdrawals had only later been detected by the victims. “We have uncovered the scam through our extensive membership network as the victims report these incidents to their hosts in the area.”
KLCBT has printed a 100 000 notices, warning tourists about this scam and also of roadside corruption by traffic officials, another crime that is seriously affecting tourism in the region. “We kindly request that all banks assist us in preventing such crimes by agreeing to erect signs at ATMs in town warning people about these scammers. The Lydenburg/Mashishing business chamber will give examples of suitable wording for signs at the ATMs.”
KLCBT would like to extend their thanks to the following businesses and individuals who contributed to the erection of the board: MPU Printers (C&F Printers), GG Timbers, Spekboom Konstruksie, Charlene Coetzee (Lydenburg Tourism Liaison) and LMBC.
