Tourists Targeted: Scammers Operating as Fake Officials in Cape Town's Streets

Cape Town has long been a jewel in South Africa's tourism crown, with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Seaboard drawing visitors from across the globe. Yet, this popularity comes with a dark side as predators seek to exploit those unfamiliar with local customs. In a devious new scam, tourists in Green Point are being duped into paying to walk down public streets, falling prey to con artists impersonating security personnel.

The cunning operation was recently exposed when two suspects were captured on CCTV targeting tourists along Somerset Road, dressed in attire that imitated security uniforms. These brazen individuals claimed that pedestrians required a permit to proceed and compelled them to tap their credit cards as payment for access.

Jacques Weber, chairperson of the Sea Point City Improvement District (CID) and director of the WatchTower Group, reiterated his concern, indicating that this method has emerged due to increased protection at ATMs, a statement corroborated by police spokesperson Wesley Twigg. Traditionally, tourists have been warned about the high risks of card skimming at ATMs, but heightened security measures in those areas have pushed scam artists to find new hunting grounds on the streets.

Despite the efforts of vigilant operators at WatchTower, who recognized the scam and alerted PPA Security, the culprits remain at large after a swift escape—showing the wherewithal of these scammers to adapt and evade capture.

Peter Flentov, chairperson of the Green Point Neighbourhood Watch, voiced his concern over the increasing number of conmen preying on visitors, some of whom might be unaware of their rights in public spaces in South Africa. Their concern is very much warranted; Cape Town pulsates with tourists and visitors, particularly during the festive seasons when events are frequent.

Contributing to the prevention efforts, local law enforcement and neighbourhood watches have been stepping up their awareness campaigns while hotels and accommodations in the area have taken initiative to inform and educate their guests about these scams.

Ian McMahon, the Green Point ward councillor, called upon the hospitality industry to play an active role in securing the safety of their guests by disseminating information about these deceitful practices. Educational materials, information in welcome letters, and active communication between security operators, like WatchTower and GPCID, play a crucial role in ensuring that tourists are privy to these risks and remain one step ahead of the scammers.

For tourists and residents alike, vigilance is key. The consistent messaging from law enforcement is to avoid seeking help from strangers and to promptly report suspicious or criminal activities. The faith in community measures and tourist education is strong, but so is the determination of these modern-day highwaymen who ply their trade on city streets rather than remote country roads.

The call to action is clear: anyone with information on such crimes should contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or SMS Crime Line at 32211. As Cape Town continues to shine as a top tourist destination, the collective efforts of the community, law enforcement, and the tourism sector are crucial to ensure that visitors can enjoy the city's offerings without falling victim to such nefarious schemes.