The Rietgat SAPS would like to warn the public to exercise a HIGH level of caution when responding to online advertisements and to avoid becoming victims of this phenomenon.
As a precautionary measure, the station would also like to call on all potential buyers and those in the business of renting out trucks for deliveries and removals for relocation purposes to always be on high alert when responding to people looking for their services.
It has come to the attention of the station based on the recent cases opened that there are people who look up for trucks on Facebook Market Place and call into companies pretending to be relocating or moving goods from one point to another, only to hijack unsuspecting truck drivers who respond to the call to render a service.
As a result of this spike in hijackings emanating from online advertisements, the station would like to advise the public to apply the following prevention tips:
* Conduct thorough research on various websites
* Do not allow to be convinced otherwise for whatever reason by a salesperson to move from your identified dealership to a “cheaper” seller in the townships
* If it takes to leave your smartphone installed with banking Apps at home while checking out vehicles do so since thugs target Apps to transfer money into their accounts
* If it takes to dress up like someone who does not have money while looking for a vehicle put up that act
* Legit sellers would not mind if you involve the police, insist on involving local police for your safety
* Look at a wide range of vehicles without feeling pressured to buy
* View feedback from previous buyers
* Make a background check on the seller
* If you buy a vehicle online, you could be buying from a licenced motor vehicle dealer or a private individual
* Be on the lookout for online scams – Fake advertisements are appearing on genuine sales websites, classifieds, and online auction sites. These scams claim to offer used cars for lower-than-expected prices, but often the cars do not exist.
* Before you strike up a deal you should check the car’s identity. Check for the warning signs that the vehicle car might have been stolen.
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