DURBAN North SAPS spokesman, Captain Raymond Deokaran has warned residents and business owners to be more vigilant especially when it comes to online sales and depositing money.
Deokaran said the most recent case involved a suspect who tricked the victim into thinking the money had been paid into their account for an online sale.
Related story: Durban North SAPS warns of fraud cases involving deposits
“The victim placed an advert online for the sale of his laptop for R14 000. He was soon contacted by the suspect who said he was interested in purchasing the item. The suspect then allegedly deposited a portion of the money into the victim’s account. An alleged proof of payment notification was also received. He then agreed to meet in the suspect in uMhlanga to hand over laptop.
“After the item was handed over however the victim discovered the money was not reflecting in his account and despite attempts to get hold of the suspect, he was unsuccessful. He then opened a case at the station. We have had cases like this in recent times where the suspect orders goods from a business or an individual and tricks the victim into thinking the money has been paid into their account by providing a fake proof of payment,” he said.
Deokaran urged residents and business to be educated about various types of online scams.
“We are seeing more cases of online fraud and it is concerning. We are urging residents and members of the public to do their homework when selling or purchasing items online,” he said.
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