DURBAN North police are warning the north Durban community to be wary of bogus contractors who offer landscape or paving services.

The warning comes after a Glenashley resident was scammed out of R2 200 by scam artists on James Place.

According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North police station, the scam artists appear to be professional in appearance but soon disappear once they secure a deposit.

In other crime news: Durban North resident loses R4 300 in online pet scam

“In the past there have been cases in uMhlanga with a similar modus operandi. Two suspects were arrested by the Upper Umhlanga Security Trust for similar fraud and theft cases. Usually they appear utterly professional, driving expensive cars to make it seem like they are legitimate. 

“In this latest case, the contractor met with the resident and brought workers with him. He claimed that he needed R2 200 to be deposited for materials for the job and left three of his workman at the home. They began digging up the turf however, after a short period of time, the suspect’s accomplices fled the property. He has tried several times to call the contractor but to no avail,” Deokaran said.

He added a case of fraud had been opened and urged residents to do their homework before hiring contractors to do work.

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