‘Watch for online fraudsters’ – police
HILLBROW – A MAN has been arrested for fraud and forgery following an alleged online scam which involved fake cheques and ID’s.
The 31-year-old’s arrest prompted police to issue a warning to people who are selling valuables on online classified sites.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mduduzi Zondo said criminals respond to online adverts expressing an interest to buy items that are for sale.
The criminals then request the seller’s banking details and deposit a fake cheque, using a fake ID into the seller’s account. The seller would then receive an SMS from the bank notifying them of the deposit, and they would unsuspectingly hand over their valuables to the criminals, said police. A few days later the seller would find themselves in a predicament when the fake cheque bounces – after they had already handed over their valuables.
In this case, police said the suspect had defrauded a motorbike off an unsuspecting complainant.
Working together with the police, the complainant put up another advert, claiming to be selling another motorbike – and the alleged suspect was hooked. After again depositing a fake cheque using a fake ID, the police were on hand to arrest him when he came to collect the motorbike.
Zondo urged community members who sell online to be vigilant at all times. “Double check with the bank to confirm the deposit is genuine before handing over your valuables,” he said.
The suspect is due to appear at the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court on charges related to fraud and forgery.
