PROJECT: ADVANCE FEE SCAMS - HOW CRIMINALS EMPTY YOUR BANK ACCOUNT WITH FALSE PROMISES
- Isabel Spies
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
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Mr. Mike Bolhuis and the specialist Investigators at Specialised Security Services (SSS) have uncovered yet another elaborate advance-fee scam, also known as a pre-payment scam, which left a South African victim devastated.
The victim is now over R62,000 in debt, at risk of losing his home, and facing severe family strain.
We share this case to warn and educate the public, helping prevent further victims from falling prey to these ruthless criminals.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS:
The scam began when the victim was contacted by a woman calling herself “Elizabeth”, claiming to represent a company called “IRS International Company.”
She told him he had won R970,000 and a bakkie, but before receiving his prize, he would need to pay a series of “release fees” and “taxes.”
KEY TACTICS USED IN THIS SCAM INCLUDED:
THE HOOK:
Initial contact was made via WhatsApp and social media, announcing a massive prize: money and a vehicle.
FALSE “FINAL PAYMENTS”:
After each payment, the scammer claimed, “this is the last one”, using phrases like “100% secure”, “I promise you”, and even invoking religion (“God is watching over me”) to gain the victim’s trust.
EVER-INCREASING DEMANDS:
The victim made multiple payments: R5,000, R4,000, R10,000, R500, R1,500, and more — totalling over R62,000.
Each time, a new fake reason was given, such as:
“Processing fees”
“ATM photo fees”
“Bank system problems”
A fabricated “Department of Financial Affairs (DFA) approval fee.”
EMOTIONAL MANIPULATION:
When the victim confessed that he was broke and drowning in debt, the scammer pressured him to borrow money or sell his car to “secure his prize.”
THREATS AND MANIPULATION:
When the victim began questioning the legitimacy of the scheme, the scammer threatened him with arrest and cancellation of his so-called winnings.
ADMISSION FROM THE VICTIM:
“My bank account is empty… my credit card is maxed out… I am in deep, deep debt.
My wife and I almost divorced over this money. I am at a very bad place in my life.”
This individual paid more than R62,000 and received nothing in return.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF:
NEVER send money to claim a prize you didn’t enter to win.
IGNORE every offer requiring you to pay first.
RESEARCH company names online — include the word “scam” to see if others have reported it.
DO NOT share personal or banking information with anyone you don’t fully trust.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS:
If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
FINAL REMINDER FROM MR. MIKE BOLHUIS:
“No legitimate lottery, competition, or prize organisation will ever ask you to pay to receive your winnings.
Do not let hope override your common sense.
These criminals prey on trust and desperation — don’t give them the chance.”
IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF THE PERPETRATOR CALLED "ELIZABETH" OR OF A SIMILAR SCAM,
CONTACT THE SSS SPECIALIST INVESTIGATOR:
MR. JD PIENAAR
Contact number: +27 66 337 3301
Email address: jdpienaar@mikebolhuis.co.za
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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