Umtamvuna Views: Don’t be caught off guard
Apparently the Umtamvuna area has been targeted, particularly seniors, and many bank clients have reported similar fraudulent incidents.
YOUR scribe warns all locals, particularly the elderly, of fraudsters who have a clever modus operandi to steal people’s money. It happened to her, so it’s a first-hand account. A well-spoken person will phone and claim to be with the bank’s fraud squad. They somehow have all pertinent information, including the account holder’s ID number, bank account numbers, etcetera.
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The caller then informs the account holder that fraudulent transactions or suspicious activities have taken place and they need to stop it immediately. Even after being extremely cautious by phoning the ‘head office number’ that the ‘bank employee’ provides, once the account holder is satisfied, they request the three-digit CVV number on the back of the bank card. Within minutes after giving this information, purchases are made against that card and all the money is gone. Apparently the Umtamvuna area has been targeted, particularly seniors, and many bank clients have reported similar fraudulent incidents. Just remember that all they need is the unique CVV number – be warned and be very careful.
Horrific attack
Last Sunday afternoon a visiting family was walking their dog on the beach at Auntie’s Bay in Munster. Four men accosted them and stabbed the dog in the face.
The father broke his ankle during the attack and the family ran south along the beach calling for assistance. The suspects fled north through the dunes towards Palm Beach.
Visitors and locals are warned that this particular beach (on the north side of the Kandandlovu River) is a remote area and it is not recommended that people walk alone or even in small groups. It is a sad reality of changing times.
Beautiful venue
The Port Edward Garden Club held its March meeting at the fascinating home of Vicky Lund and Dan Rowe. The Hlabelela Backpackers Lodge, an expansive treed property overlooking the magnificent Umtamvuna River gorge, is also home to three families and a myriad of wild creatures that take refuge in the forested grounds.
The buildings are a delight of eclectic designs, incorporating mosaics, painted floors and interesting wooden mezzanine platforms. There are winding stairs outside connecting all the homes, backpacker rondavels, swimming pools and braai areas.
Know your snakes
The guest speaker was Allan Williams – deputy provincial honorary officers’ coordinator for KZN Wildlife. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about snakes and shared some interesting visuals and information that all South Coasters should understand.
The main issue was that many people kill any snake that may cross their path. This is not good as any snake will leave you alone if you leave it alone, and very few snakes are venomous.
Snakes serve an important role in balancing nature so, please don’t kill them! Not everyone wishes to know a lot about snakes, but if a person learns how to identify the three main venomous snakes here on the South Coast, it will go a long way towards preventing all-out destruction of harmless snakes, as well as being able to identify the snake in the event of a bite. The three snakes that are venomous are the black and green mamba and the puff adder and lots of information is available on the internet. Other venomous snakes are the boomslang and vine (twig) snake, but they are very shy and are seldom seen. In the event of a bite, do NOT cut or suck the wound and do NOT apply a tourniquet. Keep the victim calm and quiet and get medical assistance as fast as possible. For help in removing a snake from your home, contact everyone’s favourite snake catcher Sarel van der Merwe at 082 6831604, Allan Williams at 083 4406382 or Wesley at 082 4716882.
Dinner dance
Banners Rest Village hosted a special dinner with live music last Friday night. Well-known, popular duet ‘Mama and Papa’ (aka Lida and Mayoub James, originally from Madagascar) entertained with their special brand of old favourites that soon had the small dance floor rocking and jiving.
Who says older people can’t have fun! Restaurant proprietor Merle Senekal served up a delicious three-course meal that was thoroughly enjoyed by the full house.
Still time
If you missed the free rabies vaccinations this week, you still have a chance to connect with state veterinarians at Rock Haven in Trafalgar this Friday (22nd) from 8.30 to 10am; Munster Protection Services from 10.30am to 12.30pm, and the Mpenjati white house from 1.30 to 2pm.
All news to Philippa
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