Police warn against online vehicle buying scam

Police in Limpopo have warned residents not to fall victim to a scam doing the rounds and involving vehicles being offered for sale on e-commercial websites.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said three vehicles, a Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navarra and Hyundai i20 have already being stolen in Tzaneen by the suspected syndicate.
“The syndicate targets people offering vehicles for sale online. One of the suspects is a woman presenting herself as Primrose Kunupi. She drives a black Mercedes-Benz or black Volkswagen Polo with Gauteng registration. They are always well-dressed, give the impression of wealth and act as potential buyers,” Ngoepe said.
When they meet with the seller a text message, from a number similar to the ones used by banks, is sent stating that the money has been transferred into the seller’s account.
“The perpetrators would then persuade the seller to hand over the keys and papers of the vehicle only to find out later that he has been conned,” Ngoepe said.
He cautioned sellers to always first check with their banks whether the money has been cleared in their account before letting the vehicle go.
He also advised to avoid doing such business over weekends or after hours.

Story: RC Myburgh
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