Durban police warn of scams as festive season approaches

DURBAN Central police warn the community to be aware of various scams which leads to them losing money through false misrepresentation.

Capt Muzi Maphumulo, Durban Central SAPS spokesman, said the police in Durban have received a number of complaints from people in the community who had been victims of various scams, including online fraud and job scams.

“The police want to bring awareness to the public as scams are on the rise as we are approaching the festive season,” he said.

Maphumulo said in one case, it is alleged that a job advertisement was placed on social media, and when the job seeker called the number in the advertisement, they were asked to deposit some money in exchange for securing the job which was advertised.

Once the money was deposited, the cellphone number was no longer reachable.

“In another incident it is alleged that a vehicle was put up for sale online. The complainant deposited a sum of R25 000 for a car deposit. He later could not trace the person from his advertised number. In a separate incident a woman saw an advertisement from a social media website and deposited R2 100. She was promised that the item she had purchased would be delivered in five days. She was later blocked and the page was removed,” said Maphumulo.

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He said in another case a man saw an investment opportunity on a website.

He deposited a sum of R31 000 to invest, however it was alleged that the investment page was removed and the owners disappeared.

“The police appeal to the community never to pay for the advertised jobs or to pay money to unknown people or on websites for an item you haven’t verified for ownership. If you want to buy something verify the website and ownership of the item being sold. One of the common signs of a job scam is when money is asked in exchange to secure employment. If you intend on purchasing a second hand vehicle ownership or the address must be verifiable,” said Maphumulo.

To report crime, contact 10111 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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