The eMbalenhle and Secunda police are warning the community about buying goods from social media.
According to Constable Busi Mthethwa, police spokesperson, both stations are experiencing a high number of fraud cases that emanated from buying items from social media.
Mthethwa said the community must be careful when they see adverts with items at much lower prices than the norm.
“Most of the victims first communicated with the sellers via phone. They agree on an item exchange and the victim deposits money into an account provided by the seller or scammer.
: Cops warn against buying goods off social media
“When the time comes to collect the item, the seller’s phone is either off or the number no longer exists.
“Some victims have deposited huge amounts of money to people they have never met,” said Mthethwa.
Mthethwa said most of these cases are not traceable because the information given to the buyer is incorrect.
He also said the community should be careful when sharing their information on social media, especially identity numbers and banking details.
She said the scammers in some cases asked the victims for their information at posts for job or investment opportunities. The victims only later realised that was withdrawn from their accounts.
