Take care when responding to online adverts, police warn
Two unsuspecting people were scammed and robbed out of a total of R300 000 in two separate incidents.
Police warned members of the public to be careful when they respond to online advertisements for vehicles.
The warning comes after two people were scammed out of R100 000 and R200 000 in the past two weeks, according to police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh.
In one of the incidents, Myburgh said the victim paid R100 000 through bank deposits to purchase a taxi advertised on social media under an auctioneer’s name.
“On his way to collect his taxi, the ‘seller’ switched off his phone and could not be reached,” she said.
In the other incident, the victim, who wanted to buy a Toyota Hilux, met the scammer at a house where he was shown the vehicle.
They then agreed the victim would buy the vehicle for R160 000.
“The victim, accompanied by his brother, met the seller inside their vehicle in the street. Whilst waiting for the vehicles and documentation, four suspects approached them and robbed them of R200 000 cash at gunpoint,” Myburgh said.
She said members of the public should:
– Research a variety of websites
– Look at a wide range of vehicles without feeling pressured to buy
– View feedback from previous buyers
– Be on the lookout for online scams
– Check whether the vehicle was stolen before striking up a deal.
“Don’t meet buyers at your home or in strictly residential areas,” she said.
“Rather meet at a nearby shopping centre, grocery store, fast food restaurant or a police station.
“Bring a friend or two along and let family or friends check on you at a specific time.
“If you become suspicious, then leave immediately.
“Also, don’t carry a large amount of cash. Leave immediately if the advertised product is not at the agreed place.”
Myburgh said potential buyers should give the suspects the property they demand if they were robbed “as their lives were more valuable”.
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