Discount scam back in the east
“These fraudsters can be very convincing. Sometimes they offer to look after their victim’s belongings while their victim is inside the fitting room.”
The so-called “discount scam” has resurfaced in Hatfield last week, police said.
This after a student was conned out of her handbag and pin number.
“Last Friday, a 22-year-old student was busy shopping in a clothing store at Hatfield Plaza,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
“An unknown woman approached her and said that she can arrange a discount for the student.
“The student wanted to know more. The woman asked her to follow her outside the shop so that she could explain.”
The woman then suggested they go to a restaurant to continue their discussion and two other women then joined them.
“They explained to the student that they can arrange a staff discount for her. They then asked for the student’s bank card and pin number.”
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The student refused but agreed to leave her handbag with them, while she went back to the store to choose clothing items.
“When the student returned the women had disappeared with her handbag, cellphones and other belongings.
Weilbach said a similar case was reported a few days later at another clothing store. Theft cases were opened for further investigation and no arrests have been made.
“These fraudsters can be very convincing. Sometimes they offer to look after their victim’s belongings while their victim is inside the fitting room.”
She said in other instances they will take their victim’s bank card and pin number to the till to “purchase” the selected items.
“They explain to their victim that it is because it is staff discount, therefore they must go to the till. But they always disappear with their victim’s belongings.”
“Shoppers are urged not to fall for scams such as these. Stores will advertise sales and discounts and will never give an individual any private discounts.”
Weilbach said it was advisable to be sceptical of all strangers who start up a conversation.
Anyone with information on the crime can contact the Brooklyn police station at 012-366-1742, or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211 to report crime anonymously.
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