The Police in the Province of Mpumalanga call upon the public to be aware of fraudsters who scam unsuspecting victims in the name of helping them to scoop some cash from their smart shopper cards from reputable retail supermarkets.
The call comes already after one male victim (53), residing in Pienaar outside Nelspruit was defrauded last month (August 2023) of his hard-earned cash, amounting to about R70 000 through this Modus Operandi.
According to information, the suspect approached his victim, holding a flyer (picture attached) at eMoyeni Mall in Pienaar outside the city of Mbombela. It is said that he pretended to assist the victim to register for an application which will assist him to monitor accumulated points of his smart shopper card on his cell phone. Whilst busy with the process, it is alleged that the suspect somehow tampered with his banking App.
After the fraudulent deal was conducted, the victim learnt later that his money was somehow transferred to an unknown account. He then realised that he has lost a large amount of his money.
No one has been arrested so far and police urge anyone who might come across these alleged fraudsters to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has therefore urge community members to be vigilant and refuse assistance from strangers as this can put them in a compromising position. “We are definitely on the heels of the suspects and it is just a matter of time before we nail them,” said the General.