Durban - Con artists posing as Durban metro police officers are duping unsuspecting motorists into paying them for alleged outstanding traffic fines.
The eThekwini Municipality issued a warning through social media and a press statement on Friday.
Municipal spokeswoman, Tozi Mthethwa, said the scam artists, using the names Captain Botha and Captain Swanepoel, claimed to work for the metro police.
Using the cellphone number 063 228 1578, people were informed of outstanding traffic fines and payment was requested to be made at Checkers using the reference number #2631.
Metro police spokesman, Senior Superintendent Eugene Msomi, said once a fine was issued, a notice was sent out to the offender. Should the fine not be paid, a summons and later a warrant of arrest was issued.
According to the press statement, people who have been contacted have independently verified with the metro police call centre that they have no outstanding fines.
Msomi said those who received calls should check their status by calling (031) 311 2861/62/63/66 Monday to Friday. He also urged people to report the matter to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit on their toll free number: 0800 20 20 20 or e-mail [email protected].
Daily News