The Mpumalanga Police Department warns the public to be careful of scammers who prey on
innocent victims in the false pretence of assisting them in withdrawing cash from their smart
shopper cards at respectable retail shops.

The call came after one male victim (53), located in Pienaar outside Nelspruit, was scammed of his
hard-earned wealth equivalent to around R70 000 through this Modus Operandi last month (August
2023).

According to reports, the suspect approached the victim while holding a flyer at eMoyeni Mall in
Pienaar, just outside Mbombela. He allegedly offered to let the victim register for an application that
would allow him to check the earned points on his smart shopper card on his cell phone. While
engaged in the process, it is alleged that the suspect interfered 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 had 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 urged community members to be vigilant and refuse assistance from
strangers as this can put them in a compromising position.