MONEY transfers can be useful if you want to send money to someone you know and trust. At the same time, they are risky when you send money to someone you don’t know.
A warning was issued by Port Shepstone SAPS Communication Services after two fraud and theft case were reported.
“We are concerned about fraud and theft cases where members from the community deposit money into bank accounts of people they don’t even know,” said police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid.
On September 26, a 49-year-old woman received a call telling her she must deposit a sum of money into an account, supposedly that of her son’s attorney.
“The caller claimed that her son was arrested for rape. The woman paid in the money, only to find out later it was a scam,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
In another case on October 4, a 58-year-old woman received a call from an unknown person who told her to deposit a sum of money in a bank account so that her son, who was in custody could be released from Izingolweni police station.
“However, the woman later discovered that her son was never released.The public must take note that bail can only be paid at the Community Service Centre (SCS) at a police station and a receipt will then be issued,” said Lt-Col Wiid.
She added that investigations are continuing. No arrests have been made.
