EMPANGENI SAPS have issued a stern warning to members of the community to be wary of falling prey to internet scams.

Since the beginning of December, four known victims have been swindled of their hard-earned income after buying cars though the internet.

King Cetshwayo Cluster Police spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, has urged people to use proper car dealers to avoid being scammed.

‘Victims are asked to make a deposit of half of the selling price, without personally viewing the car,’ he said.

‘They are promised that the seller will deliver the car after receiving a deposit, but in these cases, the seller vanished after receiving the money.

‘We therefore urge everyone to ensure that before making a deposit, visit the seller and view the vehicle.’

Mdlalose warned members of the community to ensure they heed this warning because some of these cases are not traceable.

‘These con-artists are very tricky because in some cases their banking details and cell phone numbers are untraceable.

‘Never pay for something you have not seen.

‘These four fraud cases are under investigation at Empangeni SAPS and no arrests have yet been made,’ he said.