The Randfontein Police are concerned about the number of fraud cases reported recently and subsequently would like to warn residents.
The investigating officers of fraud crimes have shared what they have identified to be the modus operandi of fraudsters.
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson said unsuspecting people are lured to make ‘easy loans’ on advertisements posted on Facebook as well as other social media networks and the greater internet.
Victims are requested to complete an application form which seems to be legitimate. They then submit the application to the loan company after which they are contacted with instructions to deposit a certain amount of money into a bank account as an administrative or tax fee before the loan can be paid out.
“The same method is used to defraud contractors who are under the impression that they have been allotted a tender. They are then ‘forced’ to sub-contract a specific company who requires funds before they can deliver.
When the scam is brought to light, the so called company has disappeared from the face of the Earth,” Ernst explained.
She said that tracing these fraudsters are near impossible as they use false bank accounts.
Ernst urged residents to be aware as these are scams and other victims have lost thousands of Rands in these types of crimes.
“No reputable institution requires money when assisting with loans. Steer clear of these criminals and keep your hard earned money safe,” she said.
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Also read:
SAPS warns against online scams
New fraud scam discovered by police
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