VOC has been the victim of two money-making scams in just a few days. In the latest ruse, a young man is reported to be selling Treasure magazine at an increased price claiming the funds are for VOC. Other reports were that the same man was selling bogus subscriptions for Treasure magazine, saying it was a promotion running between VOC and Treasure, in addition to collecting funds for mosques. He has been seen operating from door to door in the Goodwood area.

A VOC listener described the suspect as “of medium build and slightly chubby”, who greeted in an Islamic manner. The listener, who asked to remain anonymous, said she tried to confront him the second time he approached her home, but he hurried away.

Treasure magazine has confirmed that the promotion is a hoax. Publisher Fadia Mohamed said the man, in his early thirties, was in fact an ex-employee. He worked as a sales consultant about two years ago, until it was discovered that he was stealing money from the company.

Mohamed said they had gone to speak to his mother this week and she revealed her son was a drug addict. He apparently has a history of similar cases but was never charged due to a lack of evidence. Mohamed said they plan to lay charges at the Goodwood police station and encouraged the public to do the same.

Earlier this week, another VOC listener received an SMS notifying her that she had won R1 500 courtesy of The Voice of the Cape. To redeem the prize, the recipient was asked to text her ID number in reply to the message.

When VOC reporters called the number to which the SMS came from, several times an individual picked up but did not speak. The person just listened in silence.

VOC wishes to inform the public that it has not authorised any such competition and who ever is doing so, is fraudulently using the station’s name. We urge the public not to reply to this message.

“Please remain vigilant of what is happening around you and rather check with VOC or any organisation/company first before allowing people in your homes or giving them monies,” VOC station management said. VOC