Philippi-East police would like to warn the public of an increase in social media-related online shopping incidents that have resulted in unsuspecting buyers falling victim to hijackings and robberies.
Online shopping scams have become prevalent in the Philippi-East policing precinct.
The modus operandi used by groupings that specialise in these scams involves the lure 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 supposed to meet the seller at the second location.
The victim would then be accosted by armed men who would later rob the victim of his or her belongings and force the victim to transfer money through his or her banking application before the suspects flee the scene. At times, the victim would also be robbed of his or her vehicle.
The public is therefore strongly warned to refrain from looking for bargains on social media platforms. Those that utilise online shopping should do so through reputable companies or applications and should be vigilant.
