Group scams eMbalenhle-man out of R6 000

Police in eMbalenhle are warning the community of scammers operating near eMbalenhle Mall.

This came after a shopper who withdrew money from an ATM lost R6 000.

According to Const Busi Mthethwa, eMbalenhle police spokesperson, the man reported the scam on Monday, August 22.

Mthethwa said soon after the victim withdrew money, he saw a man in front of him drop an envelop full of money. The complainant picked up the envelope.

Just then another man approached and told the victim he had seen the victim pick up the envelope.

This man told the victim that they should go to a secluded place where they can divide the money among themselves.

Mthethwa said the victim agreed and the two went to an open field in Ext 5, but were accosted along the way by a second man who demanded his share of the money.

The second man claimed that he had also seen the victim pick up the envelope full of money.

While the men were arguing, two women in a white Audi without registration plates, arrived and identified themselves as police officers.

The women demanded the envelope and money, as well as the victim’s cash, bank card and Pin.

When the victim asked the women why they also wanted the money he had just withdrawn from the ATM and not just the envelope, he was told they (the women) wanted to verify with his bank if the money was indeed his and not also part of the money in the envelope.

The victim handed over his R6 000, bank card and Pin.

The women left the victim in the company of the two other men who later disappeared one by one. The victim was eventually alone in the veld without his money and his bank card.

Mthethwa said police are appealing to the community to be vigilant of such criminals who are now operating in all shopping centres.

She said no policeman can demand a person’s money, bank card or Pin.

Mthethwa said people should immediately call the police if they suspect such criminal activities.