CC Image courtesy of Lars Haefner.
A new BlackBerry scam is reportedly plaguing Johannesburg taxi ranks in the form of criminals selling the mobile phones to people at very cheap prices, but opening the device reveals just why the mobile devices are so cheap.
This is because the batteries in the BlackBerry mobile phones have been replaced with building putty, according to a report by the Daily Sun.
The Long Distance Taxi Liaison Committee told the publication that they have heard many complaints from commuters in taxi ranks, especially at Park Station and on Wanderers Street.
Chris Ngobeni, a taxi owner, told the Daily Sun the committee is requesting various law enforcement agencies to crack down on the BlackBerry scam as the situation is reportedly getting worse.
“Fake BlackBerry phones are sold for ZAR600 (US$60.90) and a lot of people have been arrested for this but it still happens. We are tired of it,” said Ngobeni.
The committee has warned commuters to not fall prey to this scam, however, this advice does not seem to be taken seriously.
Further fake items being sold to the public include USB memory sticks, other memory cards and earphones.
“We are appealing to the cops to remove street beggars because they are also involved in these activities. They also pester our commuters,” said Ngobeni.
Michael Khatle, a constable at the Johannesburg Central Police Station, told the Daily Sun any person found with fake or stolen goods would be arrested and the goods confiscated.
