[WARNING] Police identify extortion hoax
In the past, victims of car theft have been contacted by a person impersonating a police officer shortly after the incident is reported to the police, and attempted to extort money from them..
Police in the West Rand Cluster have identified a hoax that has surfaced and have warned community members not to fall for it.
“Vehicles are one of our most valuable assets and the theft thereof is an enormous loss to any person. Criminals lurk everywhere and it has happened in the past that victims of car theft are contacted by a person impersonating a police officer, shortly after the incident is reported to the police. This person then claims the vehicle was recovered and that you, the victim, have to pay a fee to assist the police in towing the vehicle back.
Also Read: Hospital rat a complete hoax, says patient
They then extort money from the distraught victim, by instructing that money be paid into a Money Market account or via E-wallet.
“This is a hoax and you are thus warned to rather take down the details provided by the person calling, like the name the caller provides and the telephone number the call is coming from, as well as the details of the account into which you are instructed to pay the money.
“We urge you not to pay any money towards the recovery of your vehicle. The information can then be communicated to the station commander or detective branch commander on 011 767 2300.”
The following information should serve as a guideline to victims of theft of motor vehicles and hijackings:
• The case docket which you opened will be registered. A case number will be sent via SMS to your cellular telephone. That number is your reference.
• You will receive a second SMS, with the details of the investigating officer on your case. This will follow at a later stage. The investigating officer will contact you. (Take down this name for future reference too)
• All cases reported in Randfontein are investigated by the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in Soweto (VCIU).
• Remember, the police do not require any funds from a complainant or victim, whether it be for theft, hijacking or any other crime.
Any enquiries may be referred to the following telephone numbers:
VCIU Commander – 011 213 9073
VCIU Switchboard – 011 213 9000
Randfontein Police – 011 767 2300
Crime Stop – 08600 10111
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
