THE Amanzimtoti police station has urged residents to be extra careful when buying or selling items on online platforms, as criminals are using these platforms to scam unsuspecting people.

Also read: Holiday accommodation scams reported in Amanzimtoti

Amanzimtoti police station’s spokesperson, Charlene Peterson, said the number of victims continues to grow. She said scammers often create fake profiles and advertise popular items at prices that seem like a bargain.

“They may ask buyers to pay a deposit to secure the item, only to disappear once the money has been paid. Others pretend to be buyers and send fake proof of payment or ask sellers to scan QR codes, claiming it is needed to receive payment. These tactics are designed to steal money or gain access to bank accounts,” said Peterson

She said some of the most common scams on Facebook Marketplace include counterfeit items, gift card scams, broken products, QR code scams, fake giveaways, and rental scams.

“If you believe you have been scammed, stop communicating with the suspect immediately, keep all messages and payment records, and report the matter to your nearest police station without delay. Take along printouts of all messages and payment records. Fraudulent accounts and listings should also be reported to Facebook to help prevent others from becoming victims,” she said.

How to protect yourself:
● Check the seller’s or buyer’s profile and look for reviews or signs that the account is genuine.
● Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
● Never pay a deposit unless you are certain the seller and the item are legitimate.
● Do not scan a QR code if someone claims it is required for you to receive money.
● Use secure and trusted payment methods whenever possible.
● Keep a record of your conversations where messages can be traced.
● If you are meeting someone to buy or sell an item, choose a busy public place and inspect the item before making payment.
● Don’t rely on screenshots of proof of payment, as these can easily be altered or faked.

For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.