Police are cautioning the community to be vigilant when responding to online advertisements after several cases of fraud were opened up at the station.
Linden Police Station spokesperson Constable Takalani Matumba said that the latest case reported was a person who saw an advert about a dog for sale.
She said that the complainant was interested in purchasing the dog and made contact with the seller. “The seller told him about the price of the dog and was asked to give an address for delivery,” said Matumba.
Banking details were sent to the buyer, and the seller asked the buyer to deposit an amount of R4 000 for the dog, R850 for delivery and R95 for insurance.
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“After depositing the money, the buyer tried to contact the seller to check the progress on the delivery. When no one picked up after numerous attempts, the buyer realised that they had been defrauded.”
Matumba also suggested that circumstances can work in reverse. “Scammers also target people who are selling their valuables online. What they will tell you is that they are unavailable to pick up your goods and that they will have to pay you your money via an electronic transfer. Once you have sent your goods to them, or they have been collected, the scammers reverse the transfer, claiming their money back and keeping your goods.”
She suggested that both buyers and sellers should try their best to meet in a safe and secure environment and try to accept cash payments.
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