Some clients may seem genuine, especially over the phone while they have ulterior motives.
A local business was nearly scammed of their goods but they were quick to notice a client had sent a fraudulent proof of payment.
Owner of Global Clocking and Breed Security, Shaun Breed said on Monday, 19 October a certain “Franswa dekock” requested a quotation for two fully kitted gate motors.
He then told Breed he would collect the gates and do the installation himself.
“After receiving the quotation, he phoned our offices on Tuesday stating that he will ask his office to make the payment and send the proof of payment.
Also read: Businessman arrested for attempting to defraud SASSA
“Franswa” phoned our offices to find out if we did receive the proof of payment. We replied yes, we did receive the document but the stock will only arrive on Thursday to which he replied it was unacceptable, he needs the gate motors immediately. He will even go to our supplier and pick it up himself,” said Breed.
He told Herald that when they opened the proof of payment it became clear it was tampered with.
“We immediately phoned and emailed the same document to Standard Bank to which they also confirmed our suspicions. The proof of payment was fraudulent. We also checked our bank statement to double check but the money did not reflect,” he said.
Also read: TZANEEN: Man nabbed and sentenced for fraud
After investigating a bit more they found out two other businesses also got scammed in Tzaneen.
Tzaneen police spokesperson Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu said people need to confirm with their banks if the money is indeed in their business account.
“People need to sometimes physically visit their nearest branch to verify the validity of the proof of payment. If you happen to have the correct numbers of the bank, call them and check if the money was indeed paid into your account,” he said.
