Beware of sale scam, warns police

MONTCLAIR police have issued a warning to the public not to fall prey to a scam doing the rounds on social media. According to police, the scam involves fake sales on Facebook, misleading and robbing prospective buyers of their money. Police reported on an incident where a victim responded to an advert in which a maroon VW Polo TSI car was advertised for sale for R87 000.

“The communication between the two parties occurred and a meeting was arranged via WhatsApp.  They met and the vehicle was taken for a test drive by the prospective buyer. Thereafter on agreeing to purchase the vehicle, both the two suspects and the victim proceeded to the licensing office due to the suspects’ knowing someone who would sort out the licensing.  They were told to return in an hour’s time.  The complainant proceeded to the mall with the suspects and deposited the money to purchase the car via EFT.  They proceeded to a restaurant to have a meal.  While having a meal the first suspect told the victim he is leaving to go the toilet thereafter the second suspect went to the car, never to return. The suspect lost R87 000,” explained Montclair police spokesperson, Captain Derek Vijiam.

Vijiam urges people not to deposit their money, do an EFT or pay in cash without doing a proper background check.

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