North Coast guest houses allegedly stung by smooth-talker, out R10k
A case of 'failing to pay for boarding in terms of the hotel act' has been opened at Umhlali Saps.
Two North Coast guest houses have allegedly been scammed by the same smooth-talker.
Zur See Ballito owner Don Fölscher and Lagoon Beach House owner Peter Harris both reported similar experiences with their shared guest, a man who goes by the name Bradley Eve.
“He comes across as a very plausible guy,” said Harris, with whom Eve stayed for almost a month.
“He paid me about R1 000 to start after calling me to book a stay directly. But since that first payment he hasn’t paid another cent.”
Harris said Eve was friendly and believable when talking about a past corporate career.
“You know like all conmen he seemed like he was telling the truth,” said Harris.
The problem came when payment was due and Eve started to make excuses.
At first someone else was going to pay on his behalf, then he claimed to have paid but there was no proof of payment, then he was stuck in hospital.
The money never materialised.
“It was the same situation at my place. He paid cash to start and was very likeable,” said Fölscher.
“It was all good until the last day, when he said his wallet had been stolen and he couldn’t pay. He also couldn’t move on to another place without money.”
Fölscher lent him R400 to help him find a place for the night, which Eve later repaid.
That created a sense of trust and Fölscher lent him another R400 when asked for help a few days later.
The outstanding amount owed for the accommodation and last R400 loan have both not been repaid.
Fölscher was fed almost the exact same excuses as those Harris received until Eve wrote a final message and stopped replying altogether.
“Keep well and may deadbeats like me never deter you from continuing to be kind to those who are struggling,” wrote Eve in correspondence seen by the Courier
“You’re a genuinely solid human being. Thank you and sorry again.”
Together, the two accommodations are out about R10 000.
Fölscher opened a case of ‘failing to pay for boarding in terms of the hotel act’ at Umhlali Saps.
Eve was unreachable for comment, his phone going to voicemail and messages undelivered.
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