THE money-dropping scam has resurfaced on The Bluff, with several residents recently falling victim to the scam.
According to reports, the perpetrators working in groups and posing as police officers, are targeting elderly women between the ages of 50 and 60 at local shopping centres.
Sergeant Siduduzo Makhaye of Brighton Beach police station said police have observed a worrying trend in thefts linked to this scam.
Also read: Body found in Montclair, police investigate murder
“The scammers approach unsuspecting victims, present a fraudulent appointment card resembling a police badge, and claim the victims are suspected of committing a crime,” said Makhaye.
“They then instruct the victims to accompany them to the police station, drive to a secluded area, and rob them of their belongings.”
Makhaye added that in some instances, the scammers drop fake banknotes wrapped in a bank packet at shopping complexes. When an unsuspecting person picks up the packet, the fraudsters, posing as detectives, accuse the individual of stealing the money.
Also read: One dead, another wounded in suspected revenge drive-by shooting
He urged the public to remain vigilant when approached by anyone claiming to be a police officer.
“If you are approached, always verify the person’s appointment card by contacting your nearest police station or alerting security at the shopping centre before complying with any instructions,” added Makhaye.
“In most cases, people assume they are speaking to real police officers, when in fact, they are dealing with impostors,” he said.
For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
