Social Media Scammers – don’t be a victim

Police management in the province would like to urge unsuspecting members of the community to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements as criminals are coming up with tricks to scam citizens. The warning stems from numerous social media scam and other online advertisements.

In the latest incident reported on Saturday, 15 April 2023, the victim saw an advertisement for a sale of Toyota Quantum on Facebook. He made contact with the seller who purported to be the lawful owner. A meeting was arranged in Tswelelang Location, Wolmaransstad where the prospective buyer took the vehicle for a test drive. An agreement was subsequently reached and the victim drove with the owner to collect necessary documents and in the process, they allegedly offered hitchhikers a lift. However, the said hitchhikers robbed the potential buyer of his cellphone and forced him out of the vehicle.

The public is therefore urged to be vigilant of social media and online advertisements. Should they become suspicious, they are advised to contact the nearest police station. Prospective buyers are requested to buy from reputable and registered car dealers, not to carry large amounts of cash nor pay money in cash during transactions, but rather opt for an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).