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The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2008 safeguards South Africans from Pyramid schemes and Ponzi schemes.
Section 43 (2) explicitly prohibits:
Pyramid Schemes: Systems where earnings rely on recruiting new members rather than selling products.
Ponzi Schemes: Arrangements where early investors are paid with funds from newer participants.
Recently, SSS has noticed a significant rise in the number of individuals falling prey to these scams, resulting in considerable financial losses.
These schemes typically offer the allure of substantial returns for minimal investment, yet they never fulfil those promises.
They often operate through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
SSS strongly advises the public to avoid joining any investment groups on WhatsApp, particularly those that require recruiting others or purchasing products.
Many of these groups also encourage participants to promote the scheme and post fake positive reviews online.
Be cautious, as these reviews are often misleading and untrue.
SSS is investigating 4 scams with similar modus operandi and impact:
TROUVA,
KENCO,
EF JEWELLERY
AND CENTAMIN.
We will post individual projects for each scam to raise awareness and help protect others from becoming victims.
SSS has recently been investigating a scam involving Trouva.
The scam begins with a convincing message claiming to have found the recipient’s resume online and expressing interest in discussing a job opportunity that seems like a perfect fit.
If the target shows interest, they are offered a vague yet appealing work-from-home position, promising high hourly wages for simple tasks.
Initially, participants earn small amounts, reinforcing the illusion that consistent effort on the platform will lead to the substantial earnings advertised.
However, after completing basic tasks, victims are informed they must pay for "upgrades" and increasingly expensive fees to unlock higher-value tasks necessary to achieve the promised higher earnings.
In addition, another version of the Trouva scam, operating under the name "Trouva-o2o.com," has been targeting South Africans.
As of yesterday, the Trouva platform had stopped allowing withdrawals, and in a final attempt to extort more money, the perpetrators required users to pay additional fees of R2,650.00 to verify their identities.
The site was no longer accessible.
Unlike typical job scams, this scheme lures people into investing with promises of large payouts, only to defraud them further.
If you have been a victim of the TROUVA scam, contact the SSS Specialist Investigator responsible:
MR ELRO VAN DER WESTHUIZEN
Contact number: +27 66 105 1488
Email address: elro@mikebolhuis.co.za
When contacting the specialist investigator, ensure that you:
Write a detailed Email and/or WhatsApp explaining exactly what happened and how much money you lost.
Include the case number if you have opened a criminal case with the SAPS.
Include the following:
Proof of payment documents.
All communication between yourself and the other parties.
List the bank accounts to which you paid money.
All documentation supplied to you by the other parties.
All contact numbers and email addresses that the other parties used to communicate with you.
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT:
SSS is deeply concerned about the impact financial ruin has on our clients' mental health.
Victims of the scams we are investigating have not only lost their own money but have also persuaded family members and friends to invest. Scammers further entrap them by offering a supposed 10% return on their "investment" if they share their account details or assist in transferring money—activities that constitute money laundering, a serious criminal offence.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we urge you to take immediate action and reach out for support.
Call the South African Suicide Helpline at 0800 567 567.
SSS is aware of three individuals who have tragically taken their own lives,
and we strongly encourage all victims to seek help before considering such a step.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
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
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
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Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
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