Police warn Pretoria shoppers of new scams

Spokesperson Colette Weilbach says last week a 40-year-old woman reported a case at the police station after being conned by an unknown man.

"He introduced himself as an employee of one of the big chain stores inside the mall. 

 “The so-called salesman enquired whether she needed any household items, of which he can help her to buy it at a very special price. He showed her the store’s catalogue and offered R5 000 discount on a washing machine."

Weilbach says a second person approached them pretending to be interested in the deal.

"The woman contacted her husband to join them.  Eventually, the couple was convinced to buy a TV, washing machine and a play station."

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All the parties went to the restaurant where the items the second couple ordered were delivered, along with airtime and data loaded on a phone as part of the special.

"The couple paid R3 000-00 and handed the woman’s cellphone to the so-called salesman to load the airtime and data.  The couple only realized after some time that they were conned. They realized that all three men worked together and that they are not going to return with the promised items and the woman’s cellphone."

Weilbach says in a similar incident a 46-year-old woman was also conned over the weekend. 

"She was approached by an unknown person inside one of the chain stores.  The person told her that they can help her to buy at staff prices. She had to leave her handbag and other belongings with them and follow them to other clothing stores."

She says the woman was later threatened and had given bank pin number and the disappeared with all her belongings.

A case of fraud and common robbery have been opened and no arrests have been made yet.