WATCH: Cops caution on rocketing cases of fraud on Facebook
According to this group of detectives, headed by Detective Warrant Officer Maxwell Ngubane, the situation has gotten out of control and some of these fraud cases include sales and purchases over Facebook Marketplace.
Whether selling or buying on Facebook Marketplace, these detectives strongly advise that these transactions should be concluded face-to-face.
Further, always verify with the bank that a payment has been made into your account before releasing goods.
'The fraudsters are clever because in such instances they always use a bank different to the one used by the complainant, and then they will claim to have made the payment and tell the complainant to wait two days for the funds to clear, but then the victims realise afterwards that there are no funds,' said Sergeant Phindile Buthelezi, a member of the economic crimes unit.
Also read: Durban Metro back in action with speed timing ops
Pinetown SAPS communications officer Jennifer Naidu highlighted the rise of fraudulent activity on the social media platform, with fraudsters promoting ridiculously low-cost products, such as phones and other gifts, in exchange for payment. Naidu said once the payment is made, victims realise they have been scammed, with no delivery of goods and ongoing debits from their bank accounts.
'These fraudsters are posing as legitimate businesses, offering too-good-to-be-true deals. Once you pay, they disappear, and your bank account is continuously debited. Always do your research and verify the legitimacy of such offers before proceeding,' said Naidu.
She urged the public to report to the police suspicious activity, remain vigilant and report instances where they have been defrauded.
'If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Report it to our police station on 082 557 8282 or Radio Control on 10111 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Your report could prevent someone else from being targeted,' said Naidu.
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