An individual identifying themselves as SIMEON HARIPERSAD or SIMEON DAVID HARIPERSAD, or purporting to be SIMEON HARIPERSAD or SIMEON DAVID HARIPERSAD, and using the alias ‘Res Guy’ at times, has been identified as engaging with a number of students and communicating with them for various reasons, including the potential purchase/sale of textbooks; as a landlord offering accommodation; or offering places in a programme, all for a fee, and then routinely hijacking the students log in details, and either threatening to de-register the student or blocking them on student central when his financial demands are not met.
The University is sharing this information to ensure that its staff and students can take the necessary steps to combat any illegal activity perpetrated by this individual.
This individual uses cell number +27 67 x55 xx54, and email address haripersadsimeon@gmail.com and appears to have access to a large number of WhatsApp groups that students are also members of.
A selfie of him, together with a young woman, is often shared as ‘proof of his existence’, and a copy of an Identify Document for ‘Simeon David Haripersad’ is also shared.
Bank account details for a Capitec Bank Account or a Standard bank account in the name of Simeon Haripersad are provided for the payments demanded.
The University wishes to confirm that it has no affiliation with ‘Mr Haripersad’; and all students and staff are warned NOT to engage with this individual, or to do so at their own risk.
The University does not offer study or residence spaces for a fee, and does not require returning students to pay for their ‘place’ before registering. Tickets for graduation guest are also not sold by the University.
Please take great care with WhatsApp groups and/or accepting or posting offers of books/notes etc, on Facebook; or sharing ANY personal information with persons that are not known.
This individual appears to be a member of a number of WhatsApp groups that students frequent, and appears to be able to entice potential victims from there with his offer(s) of assistance. He uses bullying tactics in conversations, and places inordinate pressure on his victims to pay him.
When in doubt, please double check with someone trusted to ensure that you are not potentially being scammed in any way. Check and verify anything that you are concerned about.
The University Bank Account details are available from the University, and can be confirmed by emailing student fees on https://freshdeskportal.ukzn.ac.za/ . The University does not use a Capitec Bank account.
A Criminal case has been opened, and the SAPS provided with all the evidence UKZN is already in possession of.
If you have been scammed by this individual, please use the UKZN tip-offs option, providing whatever evidence you have – for example, copies of Screen shots from communication with ‘Mr Haripersad’.
The University also makes use of a Tips-Offs anonymous system, and any other information that might be useful, may be shared via this option:
The University whistle-blowing facility, known as Tip-offs Anonymous ®, is independently operated by Deloitte.
Tip-offs Anonymous ® serves as a conduit for University stakeholders to report any dishonest activities that are taking place at the University and to give effect to our REACHT values.
Confidentiality is guaranteed. Tip-offs Anonymous ® will never reveal your identity nor your gender.
Please report your information confidentially and anonymously, 24/7, through the following channels:
- Toll-free: 0800 203 285
- Email: ukzn@tip-offs.com
- Website: https://www.tip-offs.com
- Free Post: Tip-offs Anonymous, FreePost KZN 138, Umhlanga Rocks, 4320
- Free Fax: 0800 00 77 88
Tip-offs Anonymous ® should not be used to make allegations, which are false. Where such malicious, vexatious or false allegations are discovered, the person who made the allegations will be subjected to firm disciplinary action, or other appropriate action in the case of external parties.
Issued by
Dr K Cleland