The Westonaria Police are deeply concerned about people being robbed/ scammed of their hard-earned income after withdrawing it from banks.
According to Warrant Officer Raymond Sebonyane, the Westonaria Police spokesperson, “People can be followed by robbers after drawing money until they arrive at their destination.”
Also Read: WARNING: Don’t carry large amounts of cash
“This is the time of every year when most people start slowing down and looking forward to spending well-deserved holidays with their families, enjoying their hard-earned income. They work hard throughout the whole year to accumulate income,” he said.
He added, “There are, unfortunately, also those who want to quickly enrich themselves by harming and stealing from others”.
Westonaria Police are concerned about the following as well:
• Scamming on social media where criminals pretend to be selling properties
• Scammers will send an SMS to congratulate the receiver on winning a competition/ lottery. They then indicate that the receiver has to deposit money into their accounts
• Some will pretend to be prophets and tell you to give them all your money in order for them to bless it so that it can increase.
The Westonaria Police appeal to the community to be extra careful. “The police members are out in full force during this festive season and we will continue to ensure that those who want to enrich themselves by harming and stealing from others are prevented from doing so,” said Sebonyane.
Here are some additional safety tips from the police:
• Be aware of crime opportunities at all times
• When withdrawing a large amount of cash, make sure that you are escorted by one or two family members.
• Do not accept help from strangers, rather ask the bank personnel.
• Always ensure that there is an acceptable distance between you and other bank clients.
• When you are in a bank and the bank gets robbed, follow the orders of the bank robbers. Your life is important – do not risk it.
• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Avoid using congested/ isolated areas or streets where you cannot even walk properly – that is where you will find criminals picking pockets.
• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
• Never leave your bag or purse in your trolley, however well hidden by goods.
• Always hold your bag tightly.
• Stop buying valuables, properties and other things via social media until you are sure the company exists.
• Money is earned by working for it, no money will multiply itself through magic and prayers.
• Beware of bogus competitions. If you know you never entered any competition, don’t entertain calls from unknown people telling you to deposit cash before you receive what you won.
Know your sector cellphone numbers and/or emergency numbers.
Contact numbers:
• Westonaria police : 011 278 5300
• Emergency number : 10111
• Sector numbers:
Sector 1 – 071 675 7174 and 071 675 7175
Sector 2 – 071 675 7172 and 071 675 7173
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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