SCAMMED: Free State couple scammed out of R85k in Durban
A couple from the Free State bought a car online, only to arrive in Durban to find out that they have fallen victim to a scam...
As much as social media has its perks, there are some people who use it to deceive and scam. So when it comes to buying anything online, it's important to get all your 'i's' dotted and your 't's' crossed...
A couple from Bloemfontein made their way to Durban with the intention of buying a car. They first saw the blue Volkswagen Polo on Facebook Marketplace. They traveled by bus and were met by a man who drove them in a white BMW to Umlazi. The man informed them that the vehicle they showed interest in had some mechanical issues and suggested they look at a red Volkswagen Polo instead.
The couple agreed and proceeded to take the car on a test drive. After they had tested the vehicle they paid the seller R10,000 in cash and then transferred the remaining R75,000 to the seller's account.
The funds were cleared immediately, thereafter they were met by five men in a blue Audi vehicle and they were to take them to get the vehicle transferred onto their names. After some time, the couple became suspicious as they were driving for a long period and the men kept feeding them excuses as to why the whole process was delayed.
The woman asked if they could stop as she needed to use the restroom and they stopped at a carwash in Ottawa (north of Durban). Once the couple left the vehicle and the wife informed her husband of her suspicions, the suspects starting reversing and the husband threw a brick at the car windscreen. But they managed to get away.
Reaction Unit South Africa was made aware of the couple's situation and came to assist. The couple has reported this incident to the Verulam SAPS and it is under investigation.
Read more: Labour Department warns of UIF scams
The police have urged community members to be cautious when it comes to buying vehicles. On that note, it should be a rule of thumb to be cautious whenever making a transaction, especially when it is over an online platform.
Image Courtesy of Facebook
Above information sourced from Reaction Unit South Africa