THE modus operandi of the perpetrators of the scam involves the telephonic and email contact of clients of the Postal Services who are being contacted by imposters, who claim to be SA Post Office employees, and inform them that a parcel intended for delivery to such a client is kept by the SA Post Office and is ready for delivery.
Clients are, however, informed that such a parcel will only be released once a certain amount has been paid. (Instances have been reported where clients are ‘required’ to pay an amount of R 2 500 into a fraudulently opened bank account before releasing such parcels.)
Also Read: Beware of Postbank Scam
The SA Post Office warns members of the public to be on the alert when they receive such communication (telephone calls, emails, etc).
The SA Post Office does not require customers to make any deposit of funds into bank accounts before releasing parcels – formal procedures are followed to inform clients of a parcel that is to be collected.
Members of the public that have such information are requested to call the police or the Post Office’s Crime buster Hotline on 0800 020 070.
The SA Post Office advises the public to ignore communications of this nature. The public is urged to be vigilant and not unwittingly be enticed into depositing any money on receiving such calls. If in doubt, call your local post office or the Customer Services Help Desk.
Issued by Nobuhle Njapha
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