Don’t fall for the trap, warns Ballito businesswoman

Ballito businesswoman Rozanne Hodgson was recently scammed by a group of men who stole car batteries worth R34 000, and wants to warn others to be aware of the group.

She said the men came into Motolek Ballito and said they were from a company called Swift Clean and wanted to buy batteries, then said they would pay with an EFT.

“They emailed the proof of payment and everything looked legit until I started checking the bank statements and there was no money from the so-called company,” said Hodgson.

She said they called the number that was written on the proof of payment, to inquire the non-payment, but they were told that the person they were looking for was in a meeting.

“We believe it was their tip-off method because we never heard from them again and they were supposed to fetch more batteries that day.”

When they searched for Swift Clean online, there was a fraudulent company in Ballito listing its address in Kyalami Park – which is also where Motolek is located – but their invoices give an address in Monza Park which does not exist. Their business photo is of the entrance to the Lifestyle Centre underground parking.

“I phoned Swift Clean in Johannesburg and they said they do not have a branch in Ballito and have had many calls about fraudulent transactions with someone using their name.”

They said another company in Ballito (which asked not to be named) had also been scammed of R20 000 worth of computer paper.

“They are so organised and professional. There are also companies in Durban and Umhlanga that they scammed,” said Hodgson.

She said she did call Umhlali police station and promised that a police officer would come to take a statement. However, no police had arrived.

“I just want to warn other residents and business people not to fall for the trap. It is better you hand over the product only after you have received payment. I know it might be an inconvenience to other loyal customers, but this was scary and we need to be extra careful,” said Hodgson.

When the Courier called the number on the proof of payment slip, a man who called himself Gareth denied that there was a problem regarding payment.

“It’s the first time I get a call about this and I am not sure why you are calling me. Give me a call tomorrow (Tuesday) by 10 am, by then I would have called them and asked about this,” said the man.

On Tuesday his phone went unanswered.

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