“As a member of the Public Safety portfolio committee and a CPF representative I was shocked to find how much corruption is going on right under our noses,” says DA ward councillor Richard Lees.
Lees’ son recently attempted to sell his Xbox video game on a popular online seller-buyer website. He was overwhelmed by the response he got in a very short time. Unfortunately most of the respondents were fraudsters.
“These crooks don’t argue the price and offer to do a transfer immediately, which leads one to believe that the product being sold is highly sought after. The confirmation of the transfer is sent from the fraudster’s number and not from the bank. He then offers to send a courier to do the collection. Obviously the funds never appear in your account and the goods are gone.”
Lees says a tip for potential sellers is to google the buyer’s cell number.
“You would be amazed at how much information one can gain on a Google search. Our search came up with the potential buyer’s name and a list of complaints against him with regard to fraud.
“We also reported the pick-up address as the Krugersdorp Police Station. If the buyer is legitimate he would have no problem with this. Most importantly, if it seems too good to be true it usually is. ”
Be alert, warns Lees.
“Times are tough and people will do anything to make a buck.”
