‘Detective' cons Pinetown pensioners out of R500K in elaborate bank card scam
Donald Bristol (87) told the Highway Mail he received a call from a woman introducing herself as Detective Mudalay from the SAPS. She claimed his bank cards had been cloned and needed to visit him personally.
'I notified security at my residential complex to allow her access. She arrived at my flat, presented herself professionally and explained the alleged card cloning issue in detail,' said Bristol.
The woman told him the case was being handled in co-ordination with the Pinetown SAPS and requested his bank debit and cheque cards, including Pins, as well as his cellphone, saying it was needed for the investigation.
'I complied with her request but never gave her my Pin. I have never used any form of online banking before,' he said.
Over the following days, the scammer contacted Bristol on his wife's phone, instructing him not to speak to anyone as it could compromise the investigation.
On May 9, she asked him to meet her at a bank in Josiah Gumede Road to receive new bank cards and collect his cellphone. When the couple arrived, the woman called again, insisting they meet her outside but was nowhere to be found.
Inside the bank, staff checked Bristol's account and discovered he had been defrauded, with multiple unauthorised transactions at grocery shops, liquor outlets and designer clothing stores.
When the couple reported the scam at Pinetown SAPS, they provided CCTV footage of the impersonator entering their residential complex.
More than two months later, they say they have received no assistance.
'We do not know how this woman got my contact details and address. We do not even have family in the country; my family is overseas,' said Bristol.
Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu confirmed a fraud case is under investigation.
'The investigating officer has obtained video footage and met the complainant to gather further information. Police are following leads,' said Naidu.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
14 minutes ago
- The Citizen
9 prison officials face murder charges after inmate's death in Polokwane
Nine officials from the Polokwane Correctional Centre appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court yesterday on murder charges following the death of an inmate who was allegedly assaulted while in custody. According to Polokwane Review, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspects were arrested after a police investigation linked them to the incident, which reportedly took place in July 2024. 'The inmate succumbed to injuries sustained during the alleged assault. The matter was reported to the police and, at the time, an inquest was registered. However, during the course of the investigation and after autopsy results, the charge was changed to murder,' his statement read. Ledwaba said four of the officials were first arrested in October 2024, but the case against them was provisionally withdrawn. On Monday, the four suspects, along with five additional officials, were re-arrested following new evidence. The suspects are: Victor Ramoroka (52) Victor Seakamela (59) Lutendo Vele (41) Christopher Mafela (33) Micharl Ramabu (42) Anna Shai (41) Josephine Mphela (49) Obed Selolo (53) Lucas Phihlela (54) 'All nine suspects were granted bail of R1 500 each and the matter was postponed to August 21 for a regional court date and further police investigations,' Ledwaba concluded. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Elephant trampling outside Mossel Bay: Reserve's CEO named as victim
The man who died after being trampled by an elephant at Gondwana Private Game Reserve yesterday morning has been identified as the reserve's CEO and co-owner, FC Conradie (39). Mossel Bay Advertiser reports that Conradie, a husband, father to three young children, and friend to many, was trampled at about 08:00. Emergency medical services declared him dead on the scene. KwaNonqaba police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kappie Kapp said yesterday that an inquest docket had been opened and an investigation launched. A representative of the reserve and close friend of the Conradie family, who asked not to be named, said all employees at the reserve send their condolences to Conradie's family. 'We ask that people respect the privacy of the family while they are grieving such a tragic loss. This was a tragedy, and everyone who knew him is dealing with an unimaginable loss,' he said. He added that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being looked into and urged the public not to speculate. Andries Erwee posted a tribute to Conradie on the public Facebook group Kalahari-Vasbyt yesterday, stating that Conradie was an avid supporter of the group and had funded a tree project for it. He sent condolences to Conradie's wife and parents, saying Conradie was like no other man. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chrissiesmeer police recover 14 stolen sheep
The Chrissiesmeer SAPS recovered 14 sheep that were reportedly stolen from a farm in the town on Saturday, July 19. The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said they is still looking for the suspects. According to the report, the complainant regularly visits the grazing camp to count his livestock. However, on Saturday, he realised some were missing and contacted the police immediately. 'When the police arrived at the scene, they found that the fence had been cut. Further investigations led them to Warbutorn, which is about 25km from the farm,' Ndubane said. There, they found 14 sheep tied up. ALSO READ: Men sell dead monkeys on KaNyamazane Road The estimated value of the livestock is R35 000. 'The suspects are still at large, but the police handed the animals over to the owner. We are currently in pursuit of the suspects,' Ndubane said. ALSO READ: Dludluma road to facilitate economic opportunities for community Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Captain Aziz Phiri on 082 556 5861. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS app. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
