Beware of online scammers

OLX, the online classifieds market place, has provided a list of tips following an article the RECORD recently published detailing the story of Johann Bester, a Florentia resident, who fell victim to an online vehicle scam.

Bester advertised his motorcycle for sale on OLX, Gumtree and Facebook but became the victim of an online fraudster who ‘bought’ his motorcycle. Rudi Fouché, vice-chairman of the Sector 2 Community Policing Forum (CPF), said Bester was handed proof of payment as well as the buyer’s identity document (ID) by the men who collected his motorcycle only to realise the next day that he had been scammed.

Rob Baird, a spokesperson for OLX, said online classifieds have become a popular destination for those wishing to buy and sell vehicles online, primarily as such trading is quick, efficient and simple. “With such popularity comes a risk of fraud, and therefore, it is becoming increasingly important that consumers follow certain rules to ensure they do not become the victim of a scam.” He said although OLX has several systems in place to detect and counter potential scams, they unfortunately do still occur and therefore offers these tips when it comes to buying and selling vehicles, or any other items, online.

For buyers:

1. Be cautious and realistic: If it is too good to be true then it usually is a scam. Do some research on the vehicle if you are unsure of its true value and if the price seems too good to be true, then it most likely is.

2. Be thorough: Always call the seller to verify their phone number and to gauge their character. Agree on a plan and if it changes last minute, cancel. If you are intimidated or made to feel guilty, leave immediately. Don’t hesitate to search for their profile on social media to check if they are legitimate.

3. Never pay a deposit: If the seller insists, walk away from the sale. Never give out any financial information. Don’t use escrow services, Moneygram or Western Union as this is most likely a scam.

4. Avoid making transactions with sellers not based in South Africa.

5. OLX is not involved in any transactions and will NEVER ask you to pay a deposit. There is no ‘OLX Purchase Program’.

6. Request a copy of the seller’s identity document (ID) so that you have an individual to refer back to when needed.

For sellers:

1. Be cautious: Meet in a safe and public place. The local shopping mall or the police station are good options. If you are meeting someone at your house, make sure it is during the daytime and that there are other people at home with you.

2. Insist on phoning the buyer: Get the phone number from the buyer and call them. This way you can gauge their personality and character.

3. Be smart about payment: Never give out your financial details to the buyer, except if they are paying you via an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT). Always take full payment when exchanging the item and never release your item before you have received all the funds.

Preferably get paid in cash on delivery and request an EFT with immediate clearance if you’re not comfortable walking the streets with cash. Avoid receiving payment by cheque as these can bounce.

4. Check with your bank if you are unsure about payments and never release the vehicle or item until the funds show in your account:

• ABSA: 08600 08600

• First National Bank: 087 575 9404

• Nedbank: 0860 555 111

• Standard Bank: 0860 101 341

• Capitec: 0860 102043

Baird said the most important tip for buyers and sellers is to use common sense.

“If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Online classifieds websites such as OLX provide a platform for the buyer and seller to interact and trade, without the website being involved in this process. It is important that whether you are buying or selling you follow these rules for your own safety.”

If you are suspicious of an advert on OLX please report it to support@olx.com

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