Police in Middelburg have issued an urgent warning to local fast-food businesses, restaurants and shops about a fraudster ordering food and airtime vouchers for delivery to various addresses, where unsuspecting recipients receive pizzas, burgers and whatnot, reports Middelburg Observer.

Impostor posing as ‘Captain’

According to Warrant Officer Nonhlanhla Mdluli, the scammer is targeting local restaurants and shops by pretending to be a police official named ‘Captain Peter van Wyk’.

Mdluli said the fraudster orders food over the phone and requests that the food be delivered to different addresses, the latest being the Middelburg Police Station.

“The person has also targeted shops and asks them to send airtime vouchers and mobile data,” Mdluli said.

“To make the scam look convincing, the fraudster is using official SAPS logos as profile pictures on their messaging accounts and contact details.”

Mdluli added that the SAPS do not order large food deliveries for their staff, and would never ask for vouchers and data to be delivered to a police station.

“Legitimate requests are made through official channels.”

See something, say something

Mdluli urges local business owners to verify all delivery requests and report suspicious calls to the police.

“Business owners can contact the Middelburg Police Station on 013 249 1600 or 082 923 0053 before fulfilling any suspicious orders if they are concerned.”

Alternatively, businesses can report any fraudulent activity immediately to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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