Online car sellers arrested for running a scam
A complainant has cried foul after losing R80 000 from online car sellers who took his money and the purchased car leaving him stranded
The Police in Gauteng arrested two suspects who allegedly scammed and robbed an online buyer after placing adverts on social media about a car on sale.
ONLINE CAR SCAMMER ARRESTED THIS WEEK
The duo was arrested in Hammanskraal on Monday, 28 November 2022.
Following a case that was reported to the police, the suspects’ activities online were monitored.
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WHAT HAPPENED TO THE COMPLAINANT
Police say one of their victims has reported that he saw an advertisement for a vehicle in the area of Dilopye, Hammanskraal and made contact with the seller.
“Both the buyer and the seller met and the transaction was made of R80 000.”
Police
It is reported that the alleged seller fled the scene with the victim’s cash and the vehicle that has just been purchased, leaving the victim stranded.
“The same group of suspects allegedly placed another advertisement for the same vehicle and the victim noticed it and informed the Investigating Officer. The suspects were then traced and arrested as they were about to scam and rob another unsuspecting victim,” police reported.
MORE VICTIMS OF THE SCAM URGED TO COME FORWARD
Police are appealing to anyone who might have been the victim of the same crime or have information that can help the police in the investigation to please call Colonel Freddie Mogotsi on 082 416 0659 or Sergeant Mary Makola on 082 930 1024.
Nidirect government service has a handful of tips to avoid being a victim of online scams:
- Never give your passwords, PIN numbers or bank account numbers -legitimate companies and banks will never ask you for these details by email or over the phone
- If out and about and buying online, use data provided by your network provider and not public Wi-Fi as some hotspots may not be secure
- Use credit cards and secure payment services instead of debit cards
- When transferring money use reliable firms
- Never transfer or receive money for someone else
- Check sites’ privacy and returns policy
- Print a copy of your order and any acknowledgement you receive
- Check your bank statement carefully against anything you buy online
- Keep your passwords secure
- If you’re selling products online, don’t send off your product before receiving payment