A man and a woman were arrested in Winklespruit recently after allegedly trying to scam a pensioner using the infamous “cash-drop” scam at a supermarket.

Also read: SAPS scam alert

According to a witness, an alert security guard observed a suspicious interaction between the pensioner and the suspects and raised the alarm.

“CCPO, ET Rapid Response, and Blue Security responded, and the pair was detained. The police arrived afterwards and placed the two under arrest. They were taken to the Amanzimtoti police station and will appear in court soon.

The drop-cash scam is used to lure victims by leaving what appears to be a thick bundle of cash in public places.

How the scam works
According to the police, the scam begins when a victim notices money seemingly dropped on the ground. When they pick it up, they are immediately confronted by people posing as plain-clothes police officers.

Also read: Beware of WhatsApp police jobs scam

Posing as police officers
The fake officers accuse the victim of picking up evidence and claim they need to escort them to the nearest police station for questioning. Under this false pretence, the victim is forced into a vehicle.

Robbery and assault
Instead of taking the victim to a police station, the suspects drive them to a remote location where they assault and rob them of all their belongings. The victim is then abandoned far from the original scene.

Advice to the public
Police are urging people not to pick up dropped money or suspicious items found in public places. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Reporting suspicious activity
Anyone who encounters suspicious behaviour or who has fallen victim to this scam is urged to report immediately to their nearest police station, contact the police toll-free number on 10111, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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