POLICE in KwaZulu-Natal have cautioned communities not to fall prey to housing scams that are currently doing the rounds.
According to provincial SAPS spokesperson, Capt Nqobile Gwala, housing scams have been reported in Phoenix and surrounding areas.
“It is alleged that criminals advertise houses for sale in local newspapers at bargain prices to attract people desperate to own homes. These criminals provide contact numbers to people who want to buy houses and arrange for the viewing of the house with the ‘homeowners,’ some of whom are also part of the scam,” she said.
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Gwala said the unsuspecting buyer is then be instructed to sign an offer to purchase a house that is not really on sale. The banking details of a fake attorney is be provided for the purchaser to make a deposit, and they may even be instructed to pay the full purchase price of the house into the account.
“The community is advised to verify the identity of estate agents. There are more than 70 cases of fraud relating to this scam that are under investigation by the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit. Anyone who is a victim of a similar crime or who knows of criminals who operate with the same modus operandi is urged to contact the investigating officers,” said Gwala.
Contact Captain Singh on 082 458 5873 or Warrant Officer Ramdass on 083 735 5031.
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