A new scam that mysteriously has people hypnotised
A voice note detailing the accounts of a woman's bizarre encounter with robbers, has people worried that criminals are becoming more brazen.
As technology and security measures evolve, so too do the tactics of criminals.
The nature of crimes escalates so fast that sometimes it feels like you aren't safe anywhere, as criminals are becoming increasingly creative and calculating in their methods.
A new trend that seems to be making the rounds involves well-dressed criminals posing as ordinary shoppers. These individuals approach other unsuspecting patrons and casually strike up a conversation.
A particular incident was captured on a voice note, where an elderly woman, who was a victim of this crime, shared what happened to her while shopping.
The woman says she was approached by three well-dressed women. One touched her hand and complimented her saying she looks good for her age.
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She said, "Granny, you look so nice for your age..." She kept on touching my hand, I said, please don't touch me, I'm funny about that and she said: "Oh, you are also buying a blanket?" She said, "my friend is the manageress at another store and she can give us 20% off." So I said, no, I can't be too fussed about that.
The women asked her to accompany them, a request the elderly woman refused. What followed was disturbingly bizarre, even to the victim herself.
The woman says not only did she end up accompanying them, but she also ended up at a bottle store even though she doesn't drink alcohol.
I landed up in the bottle store, and I don't drink, and I had no recollection of it. I stood there, and we looked at the cameras, where they took my rings off my fingers, took my bag, and disappeared. I stood there for two or three minutes and then realised what had happened. By then, they were gone. When I went to the police station to report the incident, the sergeant told me you're not the first one. She said we don't know what or how they're doing it, but they are doing this, and you have no knowledge of what's going on until a few minutes later when they walk with you... and they take your stuff and go.
The woman says this happened in KZN North Coast.
She added that a similar incident happened to a woman in the Ballito area, and claims that something was sprayed in the air close to her. They believe the spray contains a substance which leaves victims feeling disorientated and confused, allowing the criminals to rob people of their valuables.
According to the woman, the trend sees criminals targeting females, but most specifically elderly women.
If you encounter someone suspicious, walk away and inform the store manager. Make sure to report the incident to the shopping centre or complex security.
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