Ex local police officer image used in online scam

A former Tshwane central police cluster deputy commander is concerned for his safety and reputation after finding out his picture has been used in a social media fraud.

Retired Brigadier Nhlakanipho Mthembu said the fraudster targets people who have reported cases of stolen or hijacked vehicles to the police, adding that it remained a mystery how they discovered the victims’ identity.

The fraudster calls himself Captain M Felix on social media but use the picture of Mthembu as their profile picture though its clear the person on the picture is a brigadier not captain.

“This act of crime is bringing my reputation into disrepute,” Mthembu told Rekord.

“I believe the man knows that most members of the public do not know how to differentiate between a captain and brigadier and, therefore, uses such lack of knowledge to his advantage.”

He said information at his disposal suggests the suspect calls and tells the complainant that the police had recovered their stolen vehicle in Komatipoort on the Mozambique border.

“He then instructs the complainant to pay around R3 000 for their vehicle to be delivered to their home – and suggests that the transaction should be via Shoprite.”

Brigadier Mthembu said the complainants were told that if their vehicle were taken to a police pound, it might be stripped of parts to pressure them to comply quickly.

He said this scam harmed his image and compromised his safety so he was extremely concerned.

“I currently do not know the extent of the damage and am also concerned for my safety,” a frustrated Mthembu said.

Mthembu has opened a case of fraud at Richards Bay police station in KwaZulu-Natal.

Richards Bay police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Debbie Ferreira confirmed that of fraud docket was open.

Ferreira said cybercrime was a fast-growing crime and, urged community members to be extra vigilant during the festive season and beyond as scammers are all out to defraud them of their hard-earned money.

The top 10 cybercrime prevention tips:

– use strong passwords
– secure your computer
– be social media savvy
– secure your mobile devices
– install the latest operating system updates
– protect your data
– secure your wireless network,
– protect your e-identity
– avoid being scammed and
– call the right person for help

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