Police warn public against internet scammers
Police are warning the public against people pretending to sell cars, while their motive is, in fact, to rob the buyers of their money.
This follows separate incidents which were brought to the attention of the police.
Lieut Nomsa Sekele, Benoni SAPS spokesperson, said three people were scammed in as many incidents, a few days apart.
“One complainant saw an advertisement on the Internet and made a deposit into the ‘seller’s’ account as arranged,” said Sekele.
The victim then contacted the seller, confirming the deposit and asking when they could meet to see the motor vehicle.
The bogus seller told the victim that he would send his son to the place where the deposit was made and that the victim should wait there.
The person waited, but no one showed up.
In another incident, a complainant also saw an advertisement on the Internet, where a motor vehicle was on sale.
“He then contacted the person and a meeting was arranged,” said Sekele.
On their second meeting, the man was robbed.
“They met again, this time inside the vehicle on sale,” said Sekele.
“The man was squeezed between the suspect and his accomplice, a firearm was pointed at him and he was robbed of his money and cellphone and was told to jump out of the car or he would die.”
On November 14, a third victim telephonically spoke to a person known to him, who was selling a motor vehicle.
“He then went to withdraw the money and met the individual, who told him to wait for someone who would bring the vehicle,” added Sekele.
“Suddenly, the seller pointed a firearm at him and robbed him of his money and cellphone and fled the scene.”
The spokesperson said people need to be cautious this festive season, as criminals will do whatever it takes to get their hands on other people’s belongings and money.
“We are appealing to the community to be cautious at all times – even inside malls – as there are criminals pretending to be working in the stores and promising back door goods at a lesser price,” said Sekele.
Two cases of robbery and one case of fraud were opened at the Benoni Police Station.
No arrests have been made.
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