【Key Points】
On September 14th, a Japanese national was a victim of theft by individuals impersonating security guards on the streets of Sandton, Johannesburg.
【Details】
1. Summary of the Incident:
(1) On September 14th, around 6:00 PM, a Japanese national was waiting at a traffic light while walking in the Sandton area of Johannesburg when two men, dressed as security guards (wearing hats and polo shirts labeled “Security” and carrying what appeared to be IDs), approached him. They told him, “You need a security pass to pass through here” and led him to a deserted location.
(2) The men then demanded that the Japanese national pay for a “security pass” with a credit card. After inserting the card into a device provided by the men and entering his PIN, the card was not returned, leading to a confrontation. One of the men disappeared during the altercation.
(3) The remaining man demanded another credit card, and the Japanese national complied by inserting the second card into the device and entering his PIN. The man then fled with the card.
(4) Later, it was confirmed that the stolen cards had been used for unauthorized transactions involving significant sums of money.
2. Please take note of the following safety precautions:
(1) In South Africa, there are frequent incidents where people are approached and scammed on the streets, at ATMs, or near ticket machines. If approached, do not engage with the individual and leave the area immediately.
(2) Even if someone is wearing a uniform labeled “Security” or “Police,” it is possible they are impostors, so do not trust them without caution.
(3) Be mindful that the individuals may be armed. Always maintain a safe distance and, if confronted with violence, prioritize your safety and do not resist.
(4) To quickly block your cards if stolen, keep the contact information for your card companies in a separate location.
(5) In the event of an incident or accident, promptly report it to the police and obtain a CAS number (required for insurance claims). Also, report the details of the incident to the Japanese Embassy in South Africa.
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