Ivory Park police officers are investigating a case of fraud after a man from Kaalfontein, Midrand, was allegedly defrauded of R41 000 after he responded to an online advertisement from an entity claiming to sell animal feed.
Spokesperson for Ivory Park Police Station, Captain Bernard Matimulane, said upon seeing the advertisement, the unsuspecting victim called the number that appeared on the website and spoke to someone claiming to be the managing director.
Matimulane said, “He [victim of fraud] allegedly deposited the money into the account provided on the advertisement.
“However, when he followed up with the managing director, he was told they could not trace the record of the deposited money, and he followed up the matter with the financial institution into which the money was deposited. He was told the account number does not exist anymore.”
Ivory Park police are appealing to members of the public to exercise the utmost caution when responding to online advertisements as online predators always try their luck with unsuspecting victims.
Police advised that potential buyers of products being sold online must satisfy themselves that the items being sold are indeed genuine before handing over or depositing money.
Details: Ivory Park Police Station 011 990 9600.
