Glenhills woman loses expensive ring, cash in scam
The woman said she did several ATM deposits into the scammers' accounts amounting to about R2000. At one stage, the scammer also asked her to purchase an Apple store voucher.
GLENHILLS resident Bronwyn Murgatroyd has been left devastated after being scammed out of more than R2000 in cash and valuables in what appears to be a sophisticated social media fraud scheme.
Also read: Annual walk in uMhlanga aims to change narrative on suicide
Murgatroyd said the ordeal began when she entered an online “competition” on a Facebook page posing as an Elon Musk fan page. The page asked users to solve mathematics problems, promising cash rewards for correct answers.
After submitting her responses, she was contacted via Facebook Messenger and asked to provide personal details such as her name, age, and occupation. She was then instructed to pay a R350 “activation fee” through an FNB ATM deposit in order to claim her winnings.
“The first time I paid R350, they told me I’d receive my payout once I activated an Elon Musk fan card,” Murgatroyd explained. “But after every payment, they kept demanding more money.”
Over the course of five weeks, the scammers repeatedly pressured her into making further payments, often under the guise of “processing” or “final” fees. In one instance, they requested Apple vouchers, prompting Murgatroyd to drive to the Apple Store at Gateway Mall.
When she could no longer keep up with the demands, she pawned her eternity ring valued at R18 000, receiving only R1400 in return, which she also handed over to the fraudsters.
“It broke me. They kept saying this was the last payment. Every time I sent proof of payment, they asked for more,” she said.
In total, she lost more than R2000 in cash and her promise ring worth R18 000.
Murgatroyd said that despite reporting the matter to police, no case was opened.
“I went to the station, but they didn’t want to take a statement. They told me to come back with all my paperwork.”
She has since learnt that several others may have fallen victim to the same fraudulent page.
Daryl Oliver, public relations officer for the Durban North and Umhlanga Community Policing Forum, said any type of competition that asks you to pay in first to receive a payout is a red flag.
“When in doubt about the authenticity of a website, Facebook page or even a competition, seek advice from someone you trust, or ask one of your local CPF members to verify. Any issues that arise when trying to open a case at your local SAPS community service centre should be taken up with the Station Commander or CPF Chair as soon as possible,” he added.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
