Police cautions Tshwane residents of online shopping scams

Rietgat police have warned shoppers of online scams.

Spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said recently an off-duty police officer was scammed and robbed of R39 000 and other valuables.

Maluleka said more than 16 cases of Facebook Marketplace scams have been reported in Loate and Rietgat.

“We would like to warn the public to exercise a high level of caution when responding to online advertisements and avoid falling victim to this phenomenon,” said Maluleka, adding that despite warnings people still fall victim to online advertisements.

“We would like to caution all potential buyers and those in the business of renting out trucks for delivery and removals to always be on high alert when responding to customers online.”

Maluleka said this was a common scam and often resulted in hijacking as well.

“The result is a spike in hijackings.”

He said people pretending to be customers will respond to an online ad to “hire a truck for a delivery from one point to another, only to hijack unsuspecting driver”.

Maluleka encouraged residents to tip off the police to any suspicious people in their area.

The following numbers can be called for swift response, client service centre (CSC) on 071 675 6250 or station commander Brigadier Maphoto on 082 455 8236.

Tips to avoid falling victim.

For truck rentals

– Insist on meeting the customer at the police station

– If the customer keeps pestering you and putting you under pressure, this could be a red flag

– The further the distance to the pick-up, especially unnecessarily such as in instances where there is a service provider in that area, the greater the likelihood this is a scam

For online vehicle buyers

– Thoroughly search the website for a reputable seller

– Do not carry a large amount of cash to the exchange point and rather abandon the transaction if the seller makes an amendment to either your meeting location or gives you an excuse for why they didn’t bring the sale product with you.

– Do not allow yourself to be convinced otherwise for whatever reason by a salesperson to move from your identified dealership to a “cheaper” seller in the townships

– If you can, leave the smartphone on which you do your online banking at home when you go shopping. Thugs have been known to force their victims to make online transfers into unknown accounts

– Dress down and drive a cheaper car to the meeting, if you can. A buyer who appears wealthy is often targeted for scams.

– A legit seller would not mind if you involve the police in the transaction so insist on meeting at the local police station for your safety

– Look at a wide range of vehicles without feeling pressured to buy

– View feedback from previous buyers

– Do a background check on the seller

– If you are robbed, give the suspects the property they demand; your life is more important and valuable than property.

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