Tsunami fraud hits SA
2005-01-10 16:12
Pretoria - Police warned on Monday that fraudsters were circulating letters in which they claimed to be victims of South Asia's tsunami disaster, in order to defraud the public of money.
Superintendent Ronnie Naidoo said: "They request for money to be transferred through money wiring or direct bank deposits."
Naidoo warned the public to be aware that such money would never reach the real victims of the disaster.
The police said they knew of more than 15 such scam letters in circulation, saying the first had been circulated on the day the tsunami struck.
Police estimated over 4 million such letters had been circulated worldwide through e-mail.
Police said recipients of the letters should not to respond to them.
Naidoo said: "If you wish to make a donation to victims of the disaster, make sure that it is done through a recognised fund raising organisation."
- SAPA