Warning over R25 Sun City scam doing the rounds in South Africa

Sun International has warned consumers against a new scam doing the rounds in South Africa, where fraudsters offer accommodation and dinner at any Sun City hotel for R25 a night.

The ‘special’ is purportedly being offered to celebrate Sun City’s 50th or 55th birthday (depending on the scam) – however, the resort is only 44 years old, having opened in 1979.

Sun City’s General Manager Brett Hoppe said, “This is a scam clearly intended to defraud people, and we’re asking members of the public to be careful when responding to special offers that do not come directly from Sun City or Sun International.

“Before replying to any accommodation offer for any Sun International property, please confirm that it is a valid deal by visiting our official website www.suninternational.com. Better still, book directly on our direct-booking platform, or use a registered tour operator.”

The group said it has been inundated with calls looking for confirmation of the special since it started showing up on social media.

The ads are linked to sponsored posts and link to a spoofed online shop with Sun City’s branding.

The scammers insist that the R25 payment is required to book a slot as only 200 are available, and specify that this payment can only be made by credit card.

South Africans are warned to steer clear of the scam and to remember the golden rule of deals and specials – if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

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