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Central students cautioned over bogus institutions

Police warns students to be careful about fly-by-night institutions and to never pay money into a personal or unverified account.

The police have cautioned Central students starting or returning to tertiary institutions this year to be on the lookout for phoney colleges looking to scam them.

This was during a recent outreach session held by the Central SAPS in the inner city in collaboration with the Department of Community Safety, the CPF, crime prevention wardens and Pretoria Technical College.

Pamphlets were also distributed on the corner of Lillian Ngoyi and Pretorius streets containing many safety tips.

Students were warned to be cautious and take note of the following:

– Be wary of bogus unaccredited salespersons roaming the streets of Pretoria who approach you.

– Do not transfer any cash without verification and ensure the account is legit.

– Be careful about these “fly-by-night” institutions.

– Ensure the institution at which you choose to enrol has been registered either with the Department of Basic Education or the Department of Higher Education.

– Be cautious of your surroundings and avoid walking in secluded places alone.

“The new academic year has just started, many people will be flocking into the inner city to seek better opportunities and as a result, they will be more prone to falling victim to crime,” said police spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise.

“This is part of the awareness and outreach programmes that seek to minimise crime in the inner city and further educate the community about the surge of crime in the policing precinct,” Nkhumise said.

Police and partners during the outreach session. Photo: Supplied

Station commander Brigadier Gibin Hlengane Mashaba urged members of the public to come forward with any information regarding suspicious activities or institutions.

“This will be a continuous project by the station and all the relevant stakeholders to visit all these institutions, and ensure that law enforcement agencies minimise crime and people being defrauded of their money,” Mashaba said.

Should they so choose, residents can report information anonymously on 08600 10111, 112, the MySAPS app or directly call the police station at 012 353 4230/4231.

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