Durban Central SAPS has issued a warning to shoppers and visitors to remain vigilant following a series of ‘money drop’ scams targeting unsuspecting victims in the Durban CBD.

Police say detectives are investigating several theft cases in which victims have been lured into elaborate schemes before being robbed of cash and other valuables.

According to Durban Central SAPS, the suspects, who include both men and women, target people shopping in busy areas such as the Workshop Shopping Centre and City View Shopping Mall.

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The scam typically begins when one suspect deliberately drops what appears to be a roll of cash in front of a shopper.

The suspect then approaches the victim, suggesting they step outside the store to divide the money between themselves. Once outside, the victim is confronted by another group of suspects posing as police officers investigating an alleged robbery that supposedly occurred inside the shop.

The fraudsters then persuade the victim to accompany them to another location, often in a township, where they are robbed of their cash, cellphones and other valuables.

Durban Central SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Zanele Khomo, urged members of the public not to be deceived by the tactic.

“We urge the community to remain vigilant at all times when entering or leaving shops or while shopping. Do not fall for money being dropped in front of you – it is a scam,” she said.

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Sgt Khomo also reminded residents that genuine police officers do not randomly approach shoppers inside stores or on the street to conduct investigations.

“Police will never approach members of the public inside shops or in the street in the manner used by these suspects. Anyone who experiences or witnesses this type of criminal activity should report it to the South African Police Service immediately,” she concluded.