Vehicle fraud on the increase

It has come to the attention of the Randfontein Police that fraud cases involving motor vehicles are more frequently opened.

“There are two modi operandi currently in use. Bogus dealerships – Vehicles are advertised via internet by a dealership. The “dealership” is advertised and even depicts photos of the business and the vehicles on sale. The non suspecting buyer contacts the seller, who then informs the buyer that there is a huge demand for the vehicle, so a deposit must be paid immediately to secure the buy.

“The buyer then deposits the funds into a bank account, only to find that the dealership does not exist at all. It is evident that the fraudsters either go to a reliable car dealership where they take a picture of a vehicle parked on display at the dealership or they create a false dealership.”

The second modus operandi is a bogus salesperson – The criminal goes to a dealership and then they meet customers outside the car dealership, while pretending to be employed there.

They walk around the vehicles with the potential customer as if they are assisting them. They then negotiate a better price with the customer and then enter the sales office, on the pretext of bargaining with the manager to secure the better deal. Upon the return the bogus salesperson informs the customer that the manager has approved the deal but a deposit must be made immediately.

The “salesperson” gives banking details or even in some instances accompanies the buyer to the bank, in order to facilitate the deposit. The customer returns to the dealership to claim the vehicle, only then realising that it was a scam.

Reputable car dealerships are experiencing problems with this trend and the police would like the community to interrogate all avenues to determine if the seller is not a fraudster before making any deposit. Potential buyers are advised to report anything that they might suspect as criminal activities regarding the selling/buying of vehicles. Remember, any deal that is too good to be true, surely is to good to be true.

The following tips should be of help:
• Be inquisitive
• Ask a lot of questions
• Safeguard your money and do not deposit any money if you do not have a written proof of purchase.

If an immediate deposit is required, think again, since there are purchase procedures to be followed. Personally go to a reputable dealer rather than buying through the internet. Engage with the sales people inside the offices of the dealership and they will guide you in the right direction.

Think twice before you make the deposit. Do not throw away hard earned money.

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