South Coast residents fall victim to social media fraud
Always question whether the deal is legitimate before proceeding with payment.
Several people on the South Coast have once again fallen victim to fraudsters operating on social media platforms.
Despite repeated warnings from police, members of the public continue to purchase items online without physically viewing them or verifying sellers.
Fraudsters often pose as bank or cellular service providers, sounding convincing while requesting personal or banking details to commit fraud.
There are several licenced second-hand dealers and auction houses on the South Coast where items can be viewed safely before purchase.
Saps urge the public to think carefully before making any electronic transfers or deposits for items advertised on social media. Always question whether the deal is legitimate before proceeding with payment.
Reported cases include:
• On January 10, a pensioner from Hibberdene searched online for a second-hand engine, contacted the seller via email, and transferred more than R50 000. Attempts to arrange delivery failed, with the seller’s number going to voicemail.
• During February, a mother from Ghost Town, Harding, made several substantial payments for her son’s tertiary education, including accommodation and transport costs in Johannesburg. On arrival, the institution confirmed no payments had been received.
• A woman from Port Shepstone paid R1 400 for a fridge advertised on social media without confirming its condition. No delivery followed, and the seller’s number went to voicemail.
• A woman from Murchison paid R2 200 for an iPhone advertised online. Delivery never took place, and the contact number was unreachable.
• On February 8, a woman from Uvongo paid approximately R10 500 for a vehicle advertised as being on auction via social media. She became suspicious of the email address and immediately froze the payment.
• A woman from Pennington advertised a fridge, dishwasher and washing machine for sale on social media on February 8. A buyer deposited R2 000 to reserve the items but failed to arrive for collection. The property owner later confirmed others had also fallen victim to the same scam.
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