Beware of fraudulent sales deals
FRAUD crimes in the region continue to escalate as members of the public fall victim to various scams, bogus deals and fictitious transactions.
Police are warning members of the public to be alert when transacting or selling goods and services.
Con artists using fake proof of payment documents have surfaced and are causing fraud cases to skyrocket, as they continue to scam sellers out of services and goods.
This was highlighted last week when a home-based entrepreneur sold goods to the value of R1 000, the buyer having WhatsApped the proof of payment and sent a driver to collect the order.
After two days of waiting for the payment to clear, it was discovered that the proof of payment notice was fraudulent. The customer refused to resend payment and eventually could not be reached.
There are many cases where members of the public have been defrauded after being given false proof of payment notifications, with no funds ever having been paid over.
There have been instances where a document with a bank logo and stamp have been given during a transaction or deal, and days later the seller finds they were scammed as no funds were ever transferred.
Police have advised members of the public to only hand over goods once payment has been effected, and to wait at least a day further as there have been instances where payments reflect, only to be reversed a short while later.
When buying goods online or responding to adverts on social media, it is advisable to meet in person to transact.
Fraudsters have been using online platforms, social media, newspapers and magazines to market false goods and services.
Some people do the handing over of sales in public areas as they feel it would be safer, but people must always be cautious when making transactions.
Many scam victims do not open cases, but the police have said it is important to report cases of fraud, as well as the trends and
modus operandi, which must be noted.
In addition, the KZN Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit based in Richards Bay is also hard at work uncovering fraud and corruption matters.