Cape Town walking permit scam preys on tourists
Tourists have been warned about the ongoing Cape Town walking permit scam where tourists are being charged to walk in Cape Town.
Four scammers were arrested after being caught on camera scamming a tourist with the Cape Town walking permit scam. The scammers go around Cape Town tourist hotspots and target tourists by making them pay for ‘permits’ to walk in the streets of Cape Town.
SCAMMERS TRICK TOURIST WITH RULES
Four people were arrested in Cape Town after they were caught scamming a German tourist after talking the tourist into swiping his card so that he could get a permit to walk freely in the streets of Cape Town.
The city’s camera operator caught on camera a group of people disguised in security uniform busy scamming the German tourist, insisting that he needed to swipe his card to obtain a permit.
According to Eyewitness News the City Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said after officials were alerted, a chase ensued, and while the syndicate tried to make their getaway, they rammed a CID (City Improvement District) vehicle off the road.
Smith said police kept chasing and caught four suspects in the end – three men and one woman, reported Eyewitness News.
“Inside the vehicle, they found fake number plates, several card readers and scamming devices, security clothing and a fake security ID, along with several ATM cards.”
The CID will now work with the police to investigate the syndicate further.
ONGOING CAPE TOWN WALKING PERMIT SCAM
Earlier this year according to IOL, scammers also two suspects were caught in Moullie Point attempting to scam the tourist forcing them to tap their credit cards in order to “access” certain roads in Green Point.
This is said to be the latest trick by conmen in Cape Town.
This comes as ATMs are heavily guarded than in the past, leading swindlers to instead target tourists walking along public streets.
To report a crime, contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or SMS Crime Line at 32211.