Police warn community of SMS scams

The Hercules police are warning the community to beware of cell phone messages saying they have won money in various promotions.

This comes after a woman recently received a message on her phone that she had won R295 000 from a washing powder competition. “After she received the message, the woman contacted the suspect, who introduced himself to her as Mr Mark. It is alleged that he told the woman to deposit an amount of R1 500 for her money to be transferred,” the Hercules police spokesperson, Captain Bonginkosi Msimango, said.

He explained that the woman then deposited R4 300 in order for the transaction to be processed. The woman was later informed that she needed to deposit more money. “She became suspicious and reported the matter to the police. A case of fraud was opened for further investigation, but no arrest has been made so far,” Msimango stated.

The police appeal to members of the community to be aware and security conscious. Msimango said there were some suspects who advertised houses as being on sale, and lured unsuspecting victims in this way as well. The victim deposits large sums of money to secure the accommodation, only to find that it does not exist. People are also caught with adverts that sell equipment and vehicles.

“We advise members of the community to contact the police if they are suspicious of any advert or person before depositing any money,” Msimango said.