Online shopping may be convenient, fast and easy, but police warn shoppers to look out for red flags when shopping online.
The modus operandi used by these groupings that specialise in these crimes is to target social-media users who want to buy or sell advertised items.
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.
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.
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.
The age-old idiom rings true: “When something seems too good to be true, it usually is.” But, how does one differentiate between a genuine deal and one that is advertised to lure you into a trap?
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
It could be said that online shopping ‘boomed’ with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. This “borderless” shopping has many benefits that include convenience, freedom of choice, unique products and privacy.
Various products and services are advertised at bargain prices such as cell phones, vehicles and generators.
However, the Automobile Association (AA) cautions people who are in the market of buying a second-hand vehicle.
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.
Also, if a buyer suspects that an online advertisement is fraudulent they should conduct a ‘reverse image search’ 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.
Furthermore, buyers should be weary of buying items ‘on the street’. Meaning, criminals will pressurise unsuspecting victims to meet up in a remote location as it might enable them to ‘get away’ easily with the crime.
You are urged to always remain vigilant if you or your loved ones are planning on buying or selling items online.
Basic “marketplace” safety tips
Not all deals have “hidden agendas”, but the following basic safety tips should always be considered before buying or selling online: . Avoid communicating with buyers or sellers outside Facebook; . Don’t share your personal information such as banking details; . 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;
Do more research on the buyer or seller by visiting their private Facebook profile, a “red flag” is raised when his or her profile was only recently created.
