Bramley police urge the community to be aware and vigilant when making online purchases following several recent incidents that were reported to the station.
According to police station spokesperson Captain Molefe Mogodi, officers are concerned about the number of community members falling prey to scammers who pretend to be legitimate online sellers.
“While many online sellers are legitimate, unfortunately scammers can use the anonymous nature of the internet to rip off unsuspecting shoppers. In most cases the victims realised that they have been tricked long after they have lost their money.”
Mogodi added that the recent reported crimes indicate that victims first respond to an online advert before making contact with the seller through telephone or email.
“[Victims] make arrangements with the seller to pay for the goods via EFT before he/she actually sees the item being sold. Once the transaction is done, the purchaser will wait in vain to get his/her goods delivered as agreed.”
Bramley police appeal to the community to do the proper checks before submitting any form of payment for good or services online.
The community is urged to consider the following measures which may help prevent an online scam:
- Check your payment is secured
- Shop with trusted sites
- Check the identity of the seller
- Where possible, visit the company before paying
- Avoid giving people you do not know your banking details
- Be careful of callers who invite you to take part in competitions in which they demand your personal details
- Never verify your banking details through phone with people claiming to be calling from a bank.
For any crime related information, please call the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or visit your local police station.
Details: Bramley Police Station 011 445 4113
Related articles:
