Sunnyside police have warned students against criminal syndicates operating in the area.
“The criminals approach victims in public places with stories that lead the victims to believe that they could be either in imminent danger or are at risk of losing personal belongings,” police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela told Rekord.
Another scam involved fake flat rentals.
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Recently a 19-year-old student gave scammers R3 600 in the belief that he was paying for rental fees for a place he wanted to rent.
The suspects drove him to his supposed place of residence, where cash was handed to the suspects for “inspection and cleansing”.
However, the whole transaction turned out to be a scam, said Mavimbela.
“We advise members of the public to reject any form of help, so-called ‘blessings’ and prayers offered by unknown persons who approach them in public,” he said.
He said since the universities reopened, Sunnyside police have received several complaints from students at tertiary institutions about scammers who robbed them of cash, cellphones, laptops and jewellery.
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Suspicious persons, vehicles and those responsible for illegal activities may be reported anonymously at crime Stops 08600 10111 or via crime line SMS 32211.
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