A case of fraud is being investigated by Stellenbosch police after a man from Stellenbosch was conned out of his R17 000 on 1 February at 09:00 at Longridge Farm, Eikendal.
According to Captain Nathalie Martin the complainant saw an advert on Facebook Market Place of a bakkie for sale for R17 000.
“He enquired about the sale and made an electronic payment into a Capitec account,” she said. “He first paid R8 500 and then again R8 500 and afterwards R3 000 to the same bank account. After he sent proof the payment the bakkie was never delivered by a Mr Nguni who introduced himself as a sales man for Jay’s Motors in George.
Another fraud case occurred on 1 February at 11:30 at Berzicht Plaza Flats, Andringa Street when the complainant received a WhatsApp message from an unknown male saying he wants to buy the Nikon camera she (the complainant) advertised on Facebook Market Place.
The complainant sent her bank details to him and he told her his friend will pick up the camera.
He sent her proof of payment of R8 000 and his friend came and collected the camera. After a while the complainant contacted Absa Bank because the money was not reflecting in her account.
The bank told her she needs an transaction number, and she contacted the buyer but he did not pick up his phone. Complainant then realised that she was scammed.”
“For both incidents fraud cases were opened and are under investigation,” Martin said. “These type of fraud cases are registered daily at the police, where people are scammed by unknown suspects. It is a challenge for police to trace these suspects as the contact numbers they usually use are not working after they have committed the crime.
“We seriously ask the community to refrain from buying goods online as far as possible.
“Even selling your goods and believing that the unknown buyer paid the money into your account should not be easily trusted, even when they send proof of payment.
“Rather give it a few days to check with your bank if money was transferred into your bank account and be sure before handing over your goods.
“Be open-minded and careful when doing online purchase or selling and keep in mind that not everybody wants to make an honest transaction.”
