More claims of North Coast residents losing thousands to a Durban-based direct marketing company have surfaced.
Last week the Courier reported how a 90-year-old Ballito resident was conned out of R18 100 by a company trading as United Thermal Technology.
He was invoiced R2 000 for a geyser-heating device but discovered he had been tricked when a bank text message revealed R18 100 had been debited from his account.
The company apparently used different names in some cases but the address remained the same: 261 Che Guevara Road, Glenwood.
Two more victims came forward last week, claiming they had also been crooked by the company.
The two residents, who preferred not to be named, lost a combined total of R28 500.
In the first case a Westbrook resident was approached in a similar fashion and had R12 500 withdrawn from his account.
“When I handed the case over to my lawyers they were told the company had closed down. Upon visiting the premises, they told me everything had been cleared out.”
A Stanger resident was swindled out of R17 000.
“The company supplied the instant water heater and energy saving device but have not done the installation as promised,” said the Stanger man.
The scam is being investigated by a local private investigator and was featured in an episode of Carte Blanche on Sunday night.
The private investigator, who cannot be named as he is still undercover, asked victims to come forward.
“The only way we can help is if we get in contact with as many victims as possible. I understand some are embarrassed to say they were duped, so identities will be kept confidential.”
When the Courier attempted to contact the company on the telephone number reflected on the invoice, a receptionist said the company had been closed down.
If you have been a victim of the scam contact the Courier on 032-9460276.
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