Richards Bay SAPS are warning members of the public to be aware of a fraudster posing as a policeman and extorting funds from unsuspecting businesses.

The modus operandi of the conman posing as a ‘Captain Ben Govender’ is to contact businesses seeking donations of money for feeding schemes or other charity projects.

Cases have been opened where the suspect has asked individuals to send donations via cash sends.

Police urge members of the public to not send any payment so as to not fall victim to the scam.

While caller ID apps will identify the number called from as ‘Captain Ben Govender’, it is in fact false.

The perpetrator has also offered businesses firearms for sale, and members of the public have been warned to refrain from engaging in any of these illegal activities.