from FUTHI MBHELE in Durban
KwaZulu Natal Bureau
DURBAN, (CAJ News) – UNSUSPECTING members of the public are falling victim to scammers running a phony ticket sales promotion to celebrate a purported milestone of the popular Ushaka Marine World in Durban.
Despite the fake social media contradicting itself that the facility is “celebrating 20 years of existence and its 50th anniversary” still, victims have been swindled.
Ushaka Marine World opened in 2004.
The scam starts with the schemers running a “special” of tickets for R25 via a website. Some 800 “tickets” are said to be available.
Entry fees to the facility is in reality between R100 for seniors/kids and R214 for adults.
Fikile Kineri from Durban fell victim on Sunday.
“I bought four tickets but ‘they’ deducted R233,” she disclosed and provided communication between her and the scammers.
Thinking it was uShaka Marine World, she contacted enquiring why she was over-charged.
“It was late on Sunday, so ‘they’ replied that they will look into my matter on Monday morning,” Kineri said.
That she had been scammed was confirmed on Monday.
“I was scammed and no one will refund my money. I really don’t know what to do now or open a case with the cops. I will go to the bank to make sure they will not deduct more money.”
Scam alert
Dianne Sivsanker said had it not been for a red flag she noted and cancelled a purchase, she would have been a victim.
“I tried to purchase, then saw the charge of €20, I canceled immediately,” she said.
UShaka Marine World has alerted members of the public to the scam.
“We are not involved and encourage you not to participate. uShaka Marine World posts all notifications of offers and campaigns on the official website, Facebook page and Instagram page.”
Authorities have warned people to be wary of scams ahead of the festive season.
– CAJ News