Police warn owners of SMS liquor licence scam

POLICE in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday warned liquor store owners about a new scam involving liquor licence renewals. Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said the warning followed after a Ladysmith liquor outlet owner brought an incident to the attention of the police. According to Zwane, the owner of the outlet received an SMS requesting that he make a deposit of R250 for the renewal of the liquor licence. After verifying with the National Liquor Board, the owner discovered that the bank details provided in the SMS were not that of the Liquor Authority. “The police advise anyone receiving such SMSes must first verify the bank details before handing over any money,” Zwane said. – ANA