GEORGE NEWS - Criminals pretending to be from the Department of Home Affairs validating IDs ahead of the elections are using the ruse to rob people inside their homes.
The Department posted a warning on its facebook page on 3 April, repeating the warning to householders not to allow anyone into their homes without proper identification. The warning is now being passed on through various forms of social media, with some people doubting its authenticity, but is has been confirmed as originating from the Department.
This particular scam seems to surface every time there is an election in the offing, when many people are concerned about having the correct identity documents in order to be able to cast their vote.
“The scammers pretend to be Home Affairs officials so they can gain access to homes. They are in possession of letterheads purportedly from the Department of Home Affairs and claim the purpose of their visit is to confirm the validity of IDs for the elections.
“They then rob the unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables. There is no initiative of this nature from Home Affairs,” the Department said in a statement.
The warning emphasised that Home Affairs officials do not go from house to house; people with queries need to go to their local office.
Residents were urged to be vigilant to protect their loved ones and property from the scam.
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