Urgent Request for Assistance Regarding Scam Incidents Affecting Event Planners

Good day. 

I am reaching out to you today on behalf of fellow event planners and decorators who are currently facing a significant issue that is affecting our industry. As event professionals, we have become victims of scams, and unfortunately, the individuals responsible rarely face any real consequences for their actions.

One particular case I would like to highlight involves a lady named Sbahle Palesa Ngcobo / Motsa, who claims to be from Kwamhlanga, and she is from Vosloorus in Johannesburg. As she advertised on the Gurus group, stating that she was clearing her garage and selling equipment, which is not uncommon in our industry when people need to upgrade their gear. We communicated and she asked if I can send her the deposit because of trust I done so, however after the transaction, I discovered that I was scammed,  because she wasn't from Kwamhlanga when we arrived there no one knew her and she kept communicating with me even after claiming that she is on her way and she needed money for petrol I sent her again  I even stopped hoping she will come I later reached out to the Gurus group and it became evident that I am not the only victim. Several other event planners have also fallen prey to this same individual.

This situation is particularly troubling because as small businesses in the event planning sector, we rely on trust, and many of us are still recovering from the effects of these scams. Currently, all we can do is block the scammers' bank accounts, but that does little to stop the perpetrators or ensure they face any accountability.

We are reaching out to you for support and assistance in addressing this issue. It has become especially prevalent during peak seasons, and the impact is being felt across the industry. We would greatly appreciate any help or guidance on how we can collectively address this problem and prevent it from continuing to harm our businesses.

Thank you for your time, and we hope to hear from you soon regarding potential solutions or actions that can be taken.

Best regards,  

Makgotso Mphahlele  

Founder, Baroka Catering and Event's.