POLICE have once again urged people to familiarise themselves with the latest trends that fraudsters are using to avoid being another crime statistic.

Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Capt Linzi Smith said numbers of cases reported at the station with regards to online fraud are increasing daily.

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“Fraudsters are constantly looking for ways to defraud unsuspecting consumers,” said Smith.

Smith advised people to always ask for references.

“People are making large deposits on vehicles without even seeing the vehicle, only to find the ad has been deleted and there is no communication from the seller.”

According to Smith, the buyers make the payment voluntarily to the seller, who then ‘doesn’t exist’ which makes it hard to get their money back. She said the community needs to be more alert and look into the seller first before making these purchases. The communications officer advised the public to check the seller’s ratings and reviews on their profile.

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“Do your homework first before making purchases without even viewing the item/s you are purchasing. “Should you become aware of being a victim, contact your bank/branch immediately. However, the banks reserve the right not to refund any transaction that was done voluntarily,” she added.    

Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting

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