Spokesperson of the Johannesburg Central police, Captain Xoli Mbele has highlighted that they have noticed an increase in the number of fraud cases where social networks were used.
Mbele highlighted that they are currently investigating a number of cases where the modus operandi used by suspects is that they will put an advert on social network sites like OLX, saying they are selling a vehicle, displaying the photo of that vehicle. “When interested people call to inquire about the vehicle, the suspect tells them that a lot of people are interested in the car and to secure the sale, they need to deposit money,” Mbele explained.
He said victims are then given banking details and they deposit the money without having met with the person selling the car. When they call to follow up on their payment, they can no longer reach the seller.
The police urge residents to employ the following tips to avoid being victims of such a crime:
- We urge the community not to deposit money for adverts they have seen on social networks
- If you see an advert and you are interested in it; it is better to phone that person and ask to meet him at the nearest police station
- Never, ever deposit your hard-earned cash without seeing the car and person physically.
Mbele added that when the police and community work together, incidences of fraud around the Joburg CBD can be reduced.
Read: Top things fraudsters look for
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