Police have made an appeal for people to be careful and aware of a ‘money packet’ scam that is going around town.
The group of people responsible for the scam are currently operating in the Ladysmith area.
On Tuesday this week, a 69-year-old man withdrew money from a bank in Murchison Street and as he made his way towards the taxi rank, he was approached by a stranger who showed him a packet of money he had supposedly “found”. The stranger said he was prepared to share the money with the pensioner.
They then agreed to go to a safe place where the money could be shared. Soon afterwards, a second person turned up and the pensioner was robbed of the money he had withdrawn earlier at the bank.
These criminals watch those who are conducting business inside the bank and you should therefore always be alert to anyone watching you conduct transactions.
Upon leaving the bank, you should also be alert to anyone who may be following you as you leave.
If you do notice anything suspicious, inform the security or bank personnel immediately or call police to report your suspicions. In the interests of your safety, do not stop to pick up packets of money lying in the street. Neither should you engage in conversation with anyone who has “found” money.
Leave the area immediately and contact police.
Do not follow the person to another location.
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