The police in the Umgungundlovu North Cluster is witnessing an increase in fraud cases where vehicles are advertised in the newspapers and on Gumtree. The sales are fraudulent. Innocent victims are falling prey to these advertisements and depositing money into accounts that fraudsters have set up without viewing the vehicles or establishing the legitimacy of the sale.
In a recent case, the victim deposited R13 800 00 into an account for a Toyota Run-X that was advertised. When the vehicle was not delivered to her, she made inquiries and realized that the company did not exist and the sale was fraudulent.
Police have made an appeal to the community to be cautious when purchasing items advertised on the internet or the newspapers.
The authenticity of the sales must be verified before making any payments and payments can only be exchanged with the item during the trade. Victims are often pressurized to deposit the money immediately by being told that there are several offers to purchase and that the item will no longer be available.
Out of desperation to buy the item, they fall prey to fraudsters.
Anyone who has been the victim of the similar modus operandi is requested to contact the local police or our Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
