Linden police have warned the community about purchasing anything online without verifying whether the company exists or not, as they are investigating numerous cases of online fraud.
Linden police station communication officer Sergeant Takalani Sibiya said that in one of the cases opened the complainant alleged that she went online looking for solar system. She came across the company that was in the advert. She then completed the form online to show her interest in purchasing the solar system.
“The company asked the complainant to deposit or to pay the amount of R24,444 and the complainant did, without verifying who the account belongs to or whether the company or the account exists or not.”
Sibiya added that the complainant was promised that the system will be delivered after seven days and it was never delivered. She tried to contact the company and realised that they don’t exist.
Sibiya shared the following safety tips for people to follow before making online purchases:
- Do not rush through online purchases or let yourself be pressured into making payments. Reputable companies will give you a window or ‘cooling off’ period
- Research thoroughly before making payments
- If possible, check with the bank to verify whether the account provided is a legitimate one
- Also check or verify if the company you are purchasing from does exist
- Avoid depositing or purchasing products that are a large amount to pay
- If possible, try and meet with the seller in person or if it’s a company try and verify the physical address
- Before purchase, brush up on common scams and warning signs
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