I don't know where this occurred but a preventative measure is priceless.
Please read the following mail received by my friend and forwarded
to you.
It all started when I received a call from someone claiming that
he was from my mobile service provider and he asked me to shutdown my
phone for 2 hours for 3G update to take place. As I was rushing for a
meeting, I did not question and shutdown my cell phone.
After 45 minutes I felt very suspicious since the caller did not
even introduce his name. I quickly turned on my cell phone and I
received several calls from my family members and the others were
from
the number that had called me earlier - 0773954380.
I called my parents and I was shocked that they sounded very
worried asking me whether I am safe. My parents told me that they had
received a call from someone claiming that they had me with them and
asking for money to let me free. The call was so real and my parents
even heard 'my voice' crying out loud asking for help. My parent was
at the bank waiting for next call to proceed for money transfer. I
told my parents that I am safe and asked them to lodge a police
report.
Right after that I received another call from the g uy asking me to
shutdown my cell phone for another 1 hour which I refused to do and
hung up. They keep calling my cell phone until the battery had run
down. I myself lodged a police report and I was informed by the
officer that there were many such scams reported. MOST of the cases
reported that the victim had already transferred the money!
And it is
impossible to get back the money.
Be careful as this kind of scam might happened to any of us!!!
Those guys are so professional and
very convincing during calls. If you are asked to shut down your
cell phone for updates by the service provider, ASK AROUND!
Your
family or friends might receive the same call.
Be Safe and Stay Alert!
got it off the Hilux forum!!
http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/views/viewtop ... 71#p181371