THE SAPS has noted a rise in the number of fraud cases related to online advertisements.
According to Captain Muzi Maphumulo, eThekwini Police spokesman, it is vital to scrutinise an online advertisement before a person deposits any money for an item or service.
“In one incident a person saw an advertisement regarding a car which was for sale. The individual called the cell number placed in the advert and was told to pay a deposit to secure the car. The complainant was excited to see the value of the car, and decided to pay the full amount of R24 000. The person was then not able to reach the seller on his cell number. In another case, a misrepresentation was made in connection with a job at Transnet. The victim was asked to pay money and was convinced that a position would be secured for him if he paid. An amount of R4 000 was paid, however the person who promised the job could then no longer be traced,” said Maphumulo.
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He said the police wanted to warn the public to ensure they view the property on sale themselves, and that the seller has legal ownership of it.
Regarding jobs, he said there is no job position where an applicant has to pay to apply.
All crime and suspicion of crime should be reported to 10111.
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