Two men were arrested on Monday 26 October after a suspected Facebook Marketplace scam at Riverlands Mall in Observatory left a seller R29 000 out of pocket, and police say there may be more victims.

Members of the South African Police Service Drone Unit responded to information about a possible fraud incident at the mall, where they spoke to security personnel and the complainant.

The seller had advertised a camera on Facebook Marketplace and arranged to hand it over after receiving notification of an immediate payment of R29 000. The money never reflected in his bank account, a red flag that the payment was fake.

The two suspects were taken to Woodstock police for profiling, and the complainant opened a case of attempted fraud. Further checks linked both men to an existing fraud case registered at Milnerton police.

Sellers should independently verify that fund

Information from the investigation also tied the suspects to three other alleged victims who had reportedly been scammed in similar incidents.

Both men were arrested and detained at Woodstock police on charges of fraud. Two cellphones were confiscated as part of the investigation.

Police are urging the public to be vigilant when buying or selling goods online. A payment notification, screenshot or proof of payment is not confirmation that money has been received. s reflect in their bank accounts before handing over goods — no matter how convincing the buyer’s proof looks.

Members of the public are also encouraged to keep records of online transactions, including messages, contact details and proof of communication, and to report suspected fraud to their nearest police station. Buyers and sellers should exercise caution when dealing with unknown individuals and avoid allowing pressure or urgency to influence their decisions.

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