Police warn against three new scams
Criminals are forever finding innovative ways to part victims with their hard-earned money.
The police released a notification about three new scams that have reared their ugly heads.
The report reads, “Despite several warnings issued to the public not to release any property that you have sold unless the bank gives you the assurance that the funds are cleared and in your account, the police are still receiving reports that the public are becoming victims of crime. Recent reports suggest that criminals have succeeded in their new plan as several complainants have lodged complaints with the.”
Modus operandi of the different kinds of scams:
Scenario 1
• When you advertise your vehicle for sale, you receive a phone call from a person showing an interest.
• The ‘prospective buyer’ will inform you that someone will come to view the vehicle.
• The person arrives on behalf of the ‘buyer’, looks at the vehicle and calls the ‘buyer’. They discuss various issues around the vehicle and show a keen interest in purchasing the vehicle.
• Price is not an issue and you, the seller, become excited because you are going to get your asking ‘price’.
• You receive a message on your phone that an electronic funds transfer (EFT) was done.
• Do not accept this message as payment. Always check with your bank that the funds are cleared first before releasing the vehicle or any documents.
• Once the vehicle is released, the seller goes to the bank only to find that there was no transaction.
• Once the vehicle is released, it is sold and the ‘buyer’ mysteriously disappears.
Scenario 2
• A ‘buyer’ goes to a car dealership and identifies a car. This normally happens on a Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.
• They create the impression that the vehicle is needed urgently for a funeral.
• A false proof of payment is furnished and the vehicle is released.
• On the Monday morning when the seller goes to the bank, the bank informs the seller that no deposit was made. Always check with your bank that the payment was made.
Do not fall into the trap of believing that the documents produced are valid. Always check with your bank and verify payments before releasing the property.
Scenario 3
• You are a victim of crime and your property is taken.
• You receive a call from an individual identifying himself as a police officer.
• He appears to have information on your case and tells you that you need to deposit a sum of money for courier charges to post your property, or gives some other bizarre reason.
• The ‘officer’ will request that you deposit the money via Shoprite or eWallet.
• The police will not request you to deposit funds to recover your property.
• If your property is recovered, you will receive a call from an investigating officer to first of all identify your property at a police station or police site. You will be required to complete documentation before property is released to you. There are no fees involved.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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