It is noted with concern that online shopping-related crimes are increasing at an alarming rate said Capt Lisa Munro, Atlantis police spokesperson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The modus operandi used by these groupings that specialise in these crime involves targeting social media users that wants to buy or sell advertised items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These unsuspecting buyers or sellers are then lured to a number of locations where after they are hijacked, robbed and sometimes murdered by a group of suspects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the South African Banking information Centre (Sabric), people should stay informed about the latest banking scams and fraudster activities to avoid falling prey to these crimes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bank will not ask for your banking details (pin, identification number or card number) over the phone. Go to your nearest bank and do an enquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The age-old idiom rings true: \u201cWhen something seems too good to be true, it usually is.\u201d But, how does one differentiate between a genuine deal and one that is advertised to lure you into a trap?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) advises online shoppers to follow their instinct in general, especially when in doubt about pursuing with a deal<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It could be said that online shopping \u2018boomed\u2019 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This \u2018borderless\u2019 shopping has many benefits that include convenience, freedom of choice, unique products and privacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Various products and services are advertised at bargain prices such as cell phones, vehicles and generators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the Automobile Association (AA) cautions people who are in the market of buying a second-hand vehicle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is recommends that buyers request to inspect a vehicle at a reputable service provider which issues roadworthy certificates and do not deposit any money for delivery fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, if a buyer suspects that an online advertisement is fraudulent they should conduct a \u2018reverse image search\u2019 on Google. By doing this it will reveal the original source of the image. According to Arrive Alive online scammers sometimes use genuine images they obtained from another site to use with their fraudulent advertisement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, buyers should be weary of buying items \u2018on the street\u2019. Meaning, criminals will pressurise unsuspecting victims to meet up in a remote location as it might enable them to \u2018get away\u2019 easily with the crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You are urged to always remain vigilant if you or your loved ones are planning on buying or selling items online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Basic \u2018marketplace\u2019 safety tips<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not all deals have \u2018hidden agendas\u2019, but the following basic safety tips should always be considered before buying or selling online:.<\/span> Avoid communicating with buyers or sellers outside Facebook;.<\/span> Don\u2019t share your personal information such as banking details;.<\/span> If you are meeting a buyer or seller in person, arrange to meet in a public and well-lit area or at the nearest police station;.<\/span> Do more research on the buyer or seller by visiting their private Facebook profile, a \u2018red flag\u2019 is raised when his or her profile was only recently created.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It is noted with concern that online shopping-related crimes are increasing at an alarming rate said Capt Lisa Munro, Atlantis police 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