DIRCO has warned young people against overseas job scams. Image: Pexels.
SCAM: Gauteng criminals hijack and rob people using Marketplace
In a new scam in Gauteng, especially in Tshwane criminals are targeting people who use Marketplace to buy goods to later hijack or rob them.
DIRCO has warned young people against overseas job scams. Image: Pexels.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in Tshwane, Gauteng has warned the public of an increase in Facebook’s Marketplace shopping incidents that have resulted in unsuspecting buyers falling victim to hijackings and robberies.
According to SAPS, in Gauteng, online shopping scams have become prevalent in the Loate policing precinct in Tshwane District.
RESIDENTS ROBBED IN MARKETPLACE SCAM
SAPS said the modus operandi used by the groupings that specialise in these scams involves the luring of social media users that conduct purchases through Facebook’s e-commerce site Marketplace where goods and services are sold.
The seller arranges a meeting place and time with an interested buyer, who would then be met at the agreed location by a young man. The young man would then take the buyer to a secluded place where they are supposedly going to meet the seller.
It is then at that second location where the victim would be accosted by armed men who would then rob the victim of his belongings and force the victim to transfer money through his/her banking application before the suspects flee the scene. At times, the victim would also be robbed of his/her vehicle.
Gauteng Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo has strongly warned the public to refrain from looking for bargains on social media platforms.
Masondo said those that utilise online shopping should only do so through reputable companies or applications and should be vigilant by doing the following:
- Always approach a prospective online buyer or seller with caution;
- Verify the buyer or seller’s online profile;
- Do not disclose any personal information about yourself;
- Avoid meeting a prospective buyer or seller in secluded areas, rather in public spaces;
- If you have any doubts about the buyer or seller, rather end your conversation online.
The public has also been urged to report any crime to their nearest police station, and to give crime tip-offs by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively via MySAPS App.
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