A victim of an alleged pyramid scheme that operated at Thompson Building at corner Jubilee Mall crossroads in Kanana got a heart attack after learning that he has lost R17 000 to an alleged pyramid scheme.
The pyramid scheme that was allegedly advertised on Moretele Community Radio (MCR) allegedly led to some community members losing their hard-earned money.
Members of the community allegedly tried to cash in what they hoped was an investment 0n 19 October 2020 as promised by the scammers only to find the offices of the scammers vacated.
An ambulance is alleged to have taken a victim who collapsed experiencing heart failure after losing an estimated R17 000.
There was a mixed reaction from community members who posted on the MCR Facebook page about the involvement of the radio station in advertising what turned out to be a pyramid scheme.
Ntate Ntjane said, “As for MCR, we understand that it is business, but the radio station should do background checks to save people from exploitation. Loyal listeners trusted the scheme because it was advertised on MRC.
“The radio station should not advertise the wrong things in the interest of money and should be careful next time.”
He warned members of the community to open their eyes before investing their money in schemes that are not verified.
“Get rich schemes do not work, even bank investments do not give so much interest in such a short space of time,” he said.
Prince Mthokozisi Hadebe, said he nearly invested in the scheme with his brother but fortunately they thought that it was “too good to be true,” and did not invest.
Bontle Mtleza Utla said, “I lost money on an online scheme, I will no longer fall for such nonsense.”
Kagiso Molwele said scammers are very tricky. “The first 20 people who invest in pyramid schemes do get paid. That is a way to lure us into investing. As soon as they reach their target, they leave overnight.
“Things like these are not called “fly by nights” for nothing, they do pack their things overnight and leave. “
“Let us take this as an opportunity to be aware of what is happening around us because there will be a lot of scammers as we approach the festive season,” he said.
Katelious Mashaba said her view is that MCR cannot advertise a scam when it is a community radio station serving the people.
“When we are being destroyed by our own radio station while they get paid by the same scammers, it is a problem,” she said.
It was not clear if the matter has been reported to the police at the time of going to press.
