Swindlers use the Internet to con the unsuspecting out of their money
Victims are often pressurised to deposit the money immediately by being told that there are several offers to purchase and that the item will no longer be available
Unscrupulous advertisers are using the Internet and newspapers to trick victims out of their hard-earned money by selling non-existent vehicles.
There have been five such cases reported to the Dundee Police Station in recent weeks. Innocent victims are have fallen prey to these advertisements and depositing money into accounts that fraudsters have set up without viewing the vehicles or establishing the legitimacy of the sale.
In one case, a man was duped out of R30 000 after he deposited R13 800 00 into an account for a Toyota Run-X that was advertised. When the vehicle was not delivered to him, he made enquiries and realised that the company did not exist and the sale was fraudulent. Another man was trick out of R30 000 after he deposited money thinking he was buying a caravan.
Police have made an appeal to the community to be cautious when purchasing items advertised on the internet or the newspapers. “The authenticity of the sales must be verified before making any payments and payments can only be exchanged for the item during the trade. Victims are often pressurised to deposit the money immediately by being told that there are several offers to purchase and that the item will no longer be available. Out of desperation to buy the item, they fall prey to fraudsters,” said police spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane.
