Beware of Internet scams targeting vehicle buyers, warn police

Choosing to buy a car should be a happy milestone, not a miserable experience that you look back on and regret.

Ugu Cluster commander, Major-General Sethenya Nxamagele, is concerned about the reports received by various police stations within the cluster of internet and print media scams targeting prospective used vehicle buyers.

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Pre-owned vehicles are advertised in the newspapers and on the internet and buyers are requested to pay a deposit up front to secure a deal.

Police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge, said vehicles are advertised at such bargain prices that the buyer rushes to make the requested deposit into the bank account that is provided by the would-be seller, so as not to lose out on a great buy.

“Sadly, once the deposited money has been withdrawn from the account, the buyer finds that the seller’s cellphone has been disconnected and it is usually at this stage that he or she realises that their deposit money has disappeared with the con artist. Their dream of getting a vehicle at a bargain price is shattered,” he said.

“This type of fraud is extremely difficult to investigate as the swindlers use fraudulent bank accounts and cellphone SIM cards, making it well-nigh impossible to trace them. I advise the public to purchase vehicles from bona fide, registered vehicle dealers. If you intend buying a vehicle advertised in the newspapers or internet, verify the authenticity of the deal before parting with your money,” said General Nxamagele.

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