North West police warn of increase in social media scams
Police in North West have urged the public to be vigilant following an increase in fake social media advertisements.
Police have uncovered the modus operandi of criminals targeting unsuspecting individuals through bogus social media adverts.
“The public is urged not to carry large amounts of cash or pay money in cash during transactions,” said police spokesperson Adele Myburgh.
The warning came after several cases were reported to police of individuals being scammed and robbed in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
In two separate incidents, a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old man were victims of fake social media advertisements.
Earlier this month, the 35-year-old victim was scammed after reacting to a Facebook advertisement purportedly selling a kombi.
“A meeting was arranged in Klerksdorp, where the prospective buyer met the seller and took the vehicle for a test drive. An agreement was made that the buyer will pay R91 000.00 for the kombi the next day and meet the seller in Wolmaransstad to finalize the transaction.
“The buyer, accompanied by a friend, met the seller in Wolmaransstad as per agreement and took the kombi for a second test drive. They stopped and gave a lift to seven men, who ultimately overpowered the buyer and his friend, tied them up and robbed them of cash and their cellular phones before dropping them off next to a road in Wolmaransstad.”
On Wednesday, the 42-year-old victim was robbed of his cell phone and money.
“A 42-year-old victim communicated with a prospective seller of goats, after seeing his advertisement on social media. The men made arrangements to meet in the morning of Wednesday. The prospective buyer met four suspects at Boskuil, close to Makwassie and they overpowered and robbed him of his cellular phone and cash.”
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