Umhlali SAPS are warning people to resist the urge to buy items online that look too good to be true.
This comes after a Ballito resident reported to the police that he had been scammed out of R3500 after he attempted to buy an “adult doll” that was advertised on Gumtree.
“The man thought he was getting a good deal and deposited the money only to never hear from the seller again.
“In the same week, we had another Ballito resident who spent a few thousand on mining equipment that he purchased on OLX.
“People need to realise that if the prices or items look too good to be true then it probably is,” said Umhlali SAPS spokesperson captain Vinny Pillay.
Pillay said people needed to educate themselves on cybercrime.
“Cybercrime is any crime that take place via the Internet and South Africa has some of the highest rates of cybercrime. We are seeing more and more cases being reported in Ballito in the past year. It is very difficult for police to track down the culprits. These kinds of crimes can get more dangerous when people give out their private information like credit card details.”
>> Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.
>> Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
