‼️Tourist Scam Alert – Cape Town‼️
Cape Town:- Another tourist has fallen prey to a street scam in De Waterkant, where fraudsters pose as “officials” demanding payment for a so-called walking permit.
According to witnesses, the suspects trick unsuspecting visitors into swiping their cards on what looks like an ATM device, but is in fact a card-cloning keypad.
In Saturday’s incident, a German tourist was approached but quickly aided when a group of nearby construction workers, along with two individuals in a vehicle, noticed the scam unfolding. They intervened, chased after the suspects, and managed to stop the fraud before the tourist lost money.
Unfortunately, the suspects escaped after a short vehicle pursuit. The shaken tourist’s card was cancelled in time, preventing further damage.
“The tourist was initially suspicious of us as well and understandably so, but eventually realized we were there to help,” one of the witnesses said.
The community praised the bravery of the two men who gave chase, saying their intervention prevented the crime from escalating further.
Safety Reminder to Visitors:
You do not need a permit to walk on any street in Cape Town.
Be cautious of anyone demanding cash or card payments in public.
Only use legitimate ATMs located inside banks or trusted retail outlets.
Sadly, this scam is not new.
While police have made arrests in the past, many suspects are quickly released on bail and return to the streets.
Comments of readers…. “These thugs are giving Cape Town a bad name, we need tougher bail conditions.”
“Big thanks to the brave residents who stepped in, true community spirit.”
“Tourists should be told at hotels and guesthouses about this scam before leaving their rooms.”
