30-07-2025
Newcastle police warn residents against online scam traps
Local police are warning residents to 'take extra precautions' and be cautious with their money.
According to Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications office, many people are still falling into traps set by scammers.
'These unsuspecting victims are defrauded of their hard-earned money,' explained Arumugam.
She added that members of the public were duped into depositing large sums of money into deals that were later discovered to be fraudulent.
'These deals never materialized, and victims end up losing a significant amount of money,' she said.
She continued:
'On social media platforms such as Facebook and the Internet, perpetrators frequently post enticing advertisements for the sale of cars, household appliances, cell phones, pets, generators, and other valuable items.'
These suspects would then persuade their targets, who are in desperate need of the aforementioned items, that they can be obtained for a ridiculously low price.
'Vulnerable victims then engage in some form of communication with these faceless sellers, who persuade them to make an urgent cash deposit. This is done either via EFT or deposit at the bank, before the required items were delivered,' she confirmed.
Following the fraudulent transaction, the suspect would confirm receiving the money and, at times, demand more cash before disappearing into thin air without fulfilling the promise.
Despite numerous warnings, these types of trends continue to occur.
'When making purchases, the public is once again urged to go to reputable businesses, shops, or car dealerships that operate within the bounds of the law.'
Members of the community are also advised to conduct proper research, rather than relying on advertisements displayed on social media, as most of the information is misleading.
'The general public should also be wary of quickly depositing or transferring cash to unknown people without proper verification,' Arumugam concluded.
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