Police urge vigilance as fraud cases rise

Con artists using fake proof of payment documents have caused fraud cases to sky rocket, as they continue to scam sellers out of services and goods.

This was highlighted by Richards Bay SAPS communications officer Captain Debbie Ferreira who said detectives are working on numerous cases where members of the public have been defrauded after being given false proof of payment notifications, with no funds ever having being paid over.

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‘There have been many instances where a document with a bank logo and stamp have been given during a transaction or deal, and days later the seller finds they were scammed as no funds were ever transferred.

‘We advise members of the public to only hand over goods once payment has been effected, and to wait at least a day further as there have been instances where payments reflect, only to be reversed a short while later.

‘Fraudsters have been using online platforms, social media, and newspapers and magazines to market false vehicle sales.

‘Many people have fallen victim to these scams.

‘In a recent case, a buyer went to meet the seller in a public place to conclude the deal of a vehicle purchase.

Once payment was handed over, the seller said he wanted to go to the shop and would return shortly. ‘He never returned, but vanished with the vehicle and the money.

‘Some people do handovers of sales at public areas as they feel it would be safer, but people must always be cautious when making transactions,’ she said.

Many scam victims do not open cases, but the police have said it is important to report cases of fraud, as well as the trends and modus operandi, which must be noted.