Show me your money
Police urge online sellers to beware of scammer.
be wary when selling goods
online, as scammers use
sophisticated technology
when committing fraud.
The Linden police are looking for a man suspected to have defrauded five people out of thousands of rand.
The man allegedly bought goods advertised for sale, and after the goods were delivered, the sellers discovered that the items were not paid for.
“The suspect contacts the person who has advertised goods and offers to purchase the goods,” said Linden police station spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mulamu. “He then asks for the bank details of the person and deposits the payment. Thereafter he sends someone to collect the goods.”
Mulamu said some of the victims had payment messages sent to their cellphones, but then found out no money was actually deposited. “He has also used fraudulent cheques. The police have been investigating this case since June 2012.”
The fraudster uses various aliases such as David Pinner, Desmond Barnett and Quinton Khumalo and uses a fraudulent identification number, 6206 1335 97084.
Police urge people selling goods online or via other platforms to verify with their financial institutions whether the money has been deposited into their accounts before handing over purchased goods.
Mulamu stressed these scammers use sophisticated technology and people must be careful not to be fooled.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect can contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Simon Mokgotloa.
Details: Detective Warrant Officer Simon Mokgotloa 072 259 8169, Crime Line 32211, Crime Stop 0860 10111.
