Money-dropping scam is back
JOHANNESBURG – Suspects trick their victims by 'dropping' a roll of money on the ground, pretending to lose it.
Johannesburg central police are investigating several cases where victims were robbed of their cash after withdrawing a large amount of money from various banks.
This according to the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Central Police Station, Captain Xoli Mbele. He said criminals target people after they have withdrawn money inside a bank or at an ATM. He added that the robbers are usually females working with males.
Read: Four more suspects linked to City’s R28-million revenue refund scam arrested
“Suspects operate separately. One of them will walk in front of the victim and ‘drop’ a bundle of money on the ground. One of their accomplices will then pick it up – without you knowing they are together,” explained Mbele.
“Inside of that bundle is useless paper with one real R100 or R200 note wrapped around it. The suspect will tell the targeted victim to go and share the money because both of them saw it.” The suspect will then take the victim to a secluded place where the accomplices join them. He said the victim will then be assaulted and robbed of his or her money.
He advised residents to change direction if they feel they are being followed, and if they are still followed, they must somehow draw attention to themselves.
Details: Johannesburg Central Police Station 011 497 7135.
