An Ethekwini resident fell victim to a scam, losing R7500 to an individual posing as a policeman.
The incident was reported to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) earlier today (Tuesday). According to the victim, he received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer. The caller, addressing him by name, alleged that a case of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse had been registered against him.
The scammer claimed that a warrant for his arrest had been issued by the Johannesburg Central Regional Court and that he was the investigating officer tasked with executing the warrant immediately.
During the call, the fraudster informed the 29-year-old victim that he could avoid arrest by paying a R7500 deposit into a First National Bank account. The scammer claimed this payment would serve as a guarantee while he negotiated with the court to have the warrant revoked.
Fearing arrest at his workplace in KwaZulu-Natal, the victim complied and transferred the funds. Shortly after, he received a falsified document purporting to be a revoked warrant of arrest.
Despite knowing there were no criminal charges against him, the victim acted out of fear. After making the payment, he visited the nearest Community Service Centre (CSC) and police station near his place of employment. Investigations revealed that two case numbers provided by the fake policeman was linked to unrelated matters. It was then that the victim realised he had been scammed.
The public are requested to remain vigilant as scams of this nature are on the rise.