Police warn of competition scams
An elderly woman was scammed after she was made to believe that she won a lottery from Scotland.
Wierdaburg police have warned of a scam in which residents receive emails or SMSes claiming they have won a competition.
Police spokesperson Captain Agnes Huma said the latest victim was a 64-year-old Centurion woman.
“On 10 August, the woman received an email alleging she had won lotto money from Scotland,” she said.
“The email said the money would be couriered to her.”
Huma said the woman was told to pay courier fees, which she did.
According to Huma, the scammer then told the woman a Royal Bank of Scotland MasterCard had been sent to OR Thambo airport and had to be scanned.
“The woman was told to pay another fee (to have the card scanned), which she did.”
Huma said the card was delivered to her home on 13 September in a sealed envelope.
“She went to the bank to try to claim the £1 million she apparently won. At the bank, she was told she had been scammed.”
“Her card didn’t have money on, in fact, the bank told her she owed money as the card was used on credit,” she said.
Huma said a fraud charge was laid at Wierdabrug police station.
“We urge residents to never fall for these scams. Always be vigilant of SMSs and emails claiming that you have won [a competition].”
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