KAROO NEWS - A warning was recently posted on several local social media groups concerning an alleged fraudster.
Many people suspected that the message could be a case of “fake news”, but the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser has spoken to the investigating officer concerned and verified that a case of fraud has indeed been opened.
Jonathan Parkinson and his wife Lee-Ann Taljaard Parkinson are advertising on social media for air-conditioner and refrigeration sales and repairs.
With the severe heat wave currently being experienced, many people have apparently responded to his advertisements, and often been left empty-handed after depositing money in their account.
According to the person who posted the warning, they come across as a very helpful and sweet couple but in the meantime, they are con artists who are hitting one after another small Eastern Cape towns.
“Once you have paid them, they make promise after promise to deliver the unit and install it but when they run out of excuses... they block you on their phone and no unit gets delivered or installed”.
A case was opened in this area at the end of December by a Steynsburg farmer, with the Middelburg police. The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Mgengwana, confirmed the information, adding that Willowmore police are currently trying to locate the couple, who allegedly have a workshop in the town.
Anyone in the Graaff-Reinet or Aberdeen area who has been approached by this couple, or responded to any of their advertisements, is asked to contact W/O Mgengwana at the Middelburg police station on 082 442 3057 or 049 802 1100.
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