POLICE in Brighton Beach are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing goods online, particularly through social media platforms, following an increase in online scams.

Spokesperson for Brighton Beach police station, Constable Nonjabulo Mkhize said scammers often advertise goods at attractive prices, obtain payment from the victim, and then disappear without delivering the goods.

Also read: Money-dropping scam resurfaces on The Bluff

It is alleged that the perpetrators use stolen or fake profiles, false identities, fraudulent proof of payment and cloned social media accounts to gain the confidence of victims.

The public are advised to take the following precautions before making an online purchase:

1. Do not pay for an item simply because the price appears to be a bargain. If the price is significantly below market value, treat this as a warning sign.
2. Verify the seller’s identity and do not rely solely on a Facebook or WhatsApp profile.
3. Avoid making upfront payments to unknown sellers, particularly when the seller refuses to meet in person or use a secure payment method.
4. Where possible, inspect the goods before making payment.
5. Never disclose your banking PIN, password, OTP, card details or other confidential banking information to a seller.
6. Be cautious of sellers who create a sense of urgency by claiming that another buyer is waiting or that payment must be made immediately to secure the item.
7. Do not accept a screenshot or WhatsApp message as proof that payment has been made. Verify the transaction directly through your own banking application or bank.
8. Be particularly cautious when a seller’s banking details are different from the name or identity provided during the transaction.
9. Do not click on suspicious links sent via WhatsApp, SMS, email or social media, as these may be used to steal personal or banking information.
10. Keep screenshots of the advertisement, seller’s profile, conversations, telephone numbers, banking details, proof of payment and any other relevant information. This information may assist the police with an investigation.

The police also urged the public not to transfer money merely because a seller has provided a photograph of an identity document, driver’s licence or other personal documentation.

“Such documents may be stolen or unlawfully obtained and do not necessarily prove that the person communicating with you is the legitimate owner of the identity,” said Mkhize.

The public should also be cautious when purchasing vehicles, electronic equipment, cellphones, appliances and other high-value goods through informal online platforms.

Anyone who suspect that they have been defrauded is urged to report the matter to their nearest police station to open a case.

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