The Community Policing Forum (CPF) has warned the public against criminals who use fake money to rob people in the Randfontein CBD.

Errens Oosthuizen, a member of the CPF in the precinct said a number of people have fallen victim to this scam and have lost their valuables.

These people walk around in the CBD scouting for victims.

“They pretend to be agents who offer cellphone specials and deals, and are usually dressed decently,” Oosthuizen warned.

He explained that after they have spotted a potential victim, one of them would walk in front of the person and ‘accidentally’ drop a large amount of ‘cash’ for the victim to see.

While the unsuspecting victim picks it up, another person will grab the victim by the arm from behind and try to convince him or her not to give back the money to the ‘owner’, further suggesting that they go around the corner to split the cash.

“If the person agrees, he or she is robbed,” Oosthuizen said.

He emphasised that the criminals are not identified easily as they seem totally normal and are well-dressed.

“Men and women who do not look like criminals work together,” he added.