Rietgat Saps warn of online vehicle purchase and trucks rental cyber scams
Captain Stephen Maluleka calls on potential buyers and those in the business of renting out trucks for deliveries and removals for relocation purposes to always be on high alert when responding to people looking for their services.
The Rietgat police encouraged the public to use caution when buying cars and responding to online adverts to avoid falling victim to scams.
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka called on potential buyers and those in the business of renting out trucks for deliveries and removals for relocation purposes to always be on high alert when responding to people looking for their services.
Maluleka said the recent cases of marketplace scams are worrying.
“The recent cases opened there are people who look up for trucks on Facebook Market Place and call companies pretending to be relocating, only to hijack the unsuspecting truck drivers.
As a result of the spike in hijackings emanating from online advertisements, the police would like to advise the public to apply the following prevention tips:
For rental trucks
– Insist on meeting the client at the police station.
– If the client keeps pestering you and putting you under pressure note it as a red flag.
– Calculate the distance you will travel from where you are picking up the goods and verify indeed if no one can provide a similar service in their area.
For online vehicle buyers
– Conduct thorough research on various websites.
– Look at a wide range of vehicles without feeling pressured to buy.
– View feedback from previous buyers.
– Make a background check on the seller.
– If you buy a vehicle online, you could be buying from a licenced motor vehicle dealer or a private individual.
– Be on the lookout for online scams. Fake advertisements are appearing on genuine sales websites, classifieds, and online auction sites.
These scammers claim to offer used cars for lower-than-expected prices, but often the cars do not exist.
Before you strike up a deal you should check the car’s identity.
Check for the warning signs that the vehicle car might have been stolen:
– There’s no vehicle registration document (V5C).
– The V5C has spelling mistakes, alterations or no watermark
– The name and address on the V5C do not match the seller’s. Ask to see their driving license, passport, or recent utility bill.
– The identifying numbers on the car do not match the numbers on the V5C or look like they have been altered.
– The seller has no insurance policy for the car.
– Consider a private history check. You will have to pay to get this done but a history or data check will tell you if the vehicle has outstanding finance on it, has been reported stolen, has been in a serious accident and has the correct mileage.
Various companies offer this service online – including the AA and RAC. Make sure that whatever company you choose takes responsibility for the accuracy of the information they supply.
– Do not meet strangers at your home, in isolated areas, or strictly residential areas.
Instead, meet in a nearby shopping centre, a grocery store, fast food restaurant parking lot or at the police station.
– Make sure the area is busy and filled with people when you meet.
– Daytime is better. If you must meet after dark, make sure the area is well-lit and there are lots of people around.
– Avoid making any transactions before you see a vehicle or test-drive it.
– Avoid conversations that suggest that you have the exact money the seller is looking for until you have verified everything about the seller.
– It’s a good idea to bring a friend, or even two. Let other friends or family know of your plans.
– Have them check on you at a specific time after the meeting if you do not call them first.
– Be sure to have your cell phone with you.
If you are selling/buying something and become suspicious of the buyer/seller… for any reason do not let them in your car but leave immediately. For example, do not be afraid to say: “I am sorry, I wasted your time. Something has come up and I need to leave right now. Again, I am sorry. Bye.” And leave. Your safety is more important than being polite.
– Do not carry a large amount of cash with you and leave immediately if the advertised product is not at the agreed place.
– If you are robbed, give the suspects the property they demand; your life is more important and valuable than your property.
The station further encouraged the community to not hesitate to call in tip-offs about any suspicious-looking people in the area.
The following numbers can be called for swift response:
– Client Service Centre (CSC) at 071 675 6250 or station commander Brigadier Maphoto at 082 455 8236.
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