Two men face fraud charges after police arrested them at Riverlands Mall in Observatory, Cape Town, yesterday (October 26) for an alleged Facebook Marketplace scam. 

Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel André Traut explained that the victim had advertised a camera for sale on Facebook Marketplace and had arranged to hand it over to the prospective buyers after receiving notification of an immediate payment of R29 000. 

He said that when the money did not reflect in his bank account, it raised suspicions that the payment was fraudulent. 

Traut added that police were alerted and members of the police drone unit responded to the incident and took the two buyers to Woodstock Police Station for profiling while the victim opened a case of attempted fraud. 

Suspects linked to existing fraud dockets 

During profiling, Traut said the men were linked to an existing fraud case registered at Milnerton Police Station. 

“Information obtained during the investigation also linked the suspects to other alleged incidents in which three previous victims had reportedly been scammed,” he added. 

Traut said police subsequently arrested the men and charged them with fraud. 

“Their cellphones were also confiscated as part of the investigations and they were detained at the police station.” 

Police urge verification before handing over goods 

Traut warned the public to be vigilant when buying or selling goods online, as scammers often use fake proof of payment and fraudulent instant payment notifications to deceive unsuspecting victims. 

“A payment notification, screenshot or proof of payment is not confirmation that money has been received. Sellers are urged to independently verify that funds reflect in their bank accounts before handing over goods, regardless of how convincing the buyer’s proof of payment may appear.” 

He added that members of the public should also keep records of online transactions, including messages, contact details and proof of communication, and report suspected fraud to their nearest police station. 

“Buyers and sellers should exercise caution when dealing with unknown individuals and avoid allowing pressure or urgency to influence their decisions,” said Traut. 

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