Criminals are targeting Centurion residents using this scam
Residents have been warned about an increase in scam incidents in Rooihuiskraal and The Reeds.
People living in Rooihuiskraal and The Reeds are being urged to watch out for a rise in scamming incidents.
According to Rekord, the scam usually involves a suspect claiming that they are experiencing problems with their vehicle.
It has already been reported within the Wierdabrug police precinct.
Johan de Wet, the acting chairperson of the Wierdabrug Sector 2 CPF, said the forum only noticed this trend recently.
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“In the last two weeks, we have had about four incidents,” he said.
De Wet pointed out that going from zero cases to four in such a short time indicates a sudden surge rather than a gradual increase.
Most of these crimes occur during the afternoon hours.
The scam follows a specific pattern each time. “Everything starts with a story about a car that has broken down,” De Wet explained.
He added that the vehicle is never actually seen by the victims.
In one case, a stranger asked for money and said he would wait by his car while the resident went to an ATM. He allegedly requested a cellphone as security to ensure the person returned.
While that person was away, the suspect convinced a second victim to fetch the friend and obtain more cash, asking for additional phones and wallets as further assurance. By the time they returned, the man and their belongings were gone.
In another incident, as reported by Rekord, a well-dressed man knocked on a woman’s gate, saying his car was stuck nearby.
He asked to use her phone to call for help. She refused to hand it over but said she would dial the number for him. According to De Wet, the man ran off once he realised he would not get the device.
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So far, there have been no arrests. It appears that different people may be behind the crimes, as the suspects in three of the five cases seem to be different individuals.
The Wierdabrug CPF has urged residents to remain on high alert and report anything suspicious.
“I advise residents that if someone requests to use their phone to make a call, the resident should offer to dial the number themselves rather than handing over the device. Alternatively, they can say that they do not have airtime,” he suggested.
“Residents are reminded never to give their phone, wallet or bank card to a stranger and not to accompany someone they do not know. If approached for assistance, they should rather contact their parents, local security company or the CPF. It is okay to refuse and walk away,” he added.
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