My 81-year-old husband and I went to renew our drivers’ licences at the Florida Licensing Department.
A guy came up to our car, and told us he would like us to move through quickly. He told us where to park, then asked us for one photo each and one certified ID each, and a telephone number. He promised that he would keep us aware [of progress] on the phone number. He said there is a guy inside, [named] Peter Ngobese, who helps people get quick service. He also said he would like a little commission if he helps us.
A few minutes after he left, ‘Peter Ngobese’ called and said [the cost of the renewals] would be R350 each. We knew the regular price for a renewal is R228, but thought a little help would be useful to save time.
The guy who had met us returned, and said that ‘Peter’ was processing all the documents, and would let us know re outstanding fines. We did not know of any, but knowing that cameras could register a fine on the roads, we were not too surprised when Peter phoned us back to say we owed R3 000. My husband said we did not have that type of money on us. ‘Peter’ then said he is allowed to reduce [the fines] to R1 500. My husband said he would go draw [the money]. I think he was very relieved that he did not have to pay a fine for his licence being very overdue.
They sent us to an ATM. I was extremely uncomfortable about the whole thing, but my husband said that if we complained, we might lose our original R700.
The same man approached us as soon as we got back from the ATM, came to the window and my husband gave him the money as he said things were almost done.
My husband then became uncomfortable and went inside the facility, only to find that no ‘Peter Ngobese’ worked there and we had been scammed. In the meantime, a police van came by the car where I was waiting outside, and the driver asked if I was okay. I told him the story and he said I had been scammed. When I asked him why they permit these guys to hang around if they are crooks, he said they always say they have a right to be there.
These guys seemed very knowledgeable about the whole procedure inside, and looking back we cannot believe we were so gullible.
I saw the article on the net and decided to write to you to make people aware. We lost R2 200 today through our own foolishness, but had there been notices up not to accept assistance from any of the outside people, things would have been different.
