Central SA
North West police warn of stock and vehicle scam─── OLEBOGENG MOTSE 12:33 Sat, 01 Jun 2019
North West police urge community members to be vigilant when responding to online advertisements for life stock or vehicle sales especially in the towns of Leeudoringstad, Boskuil and Wolmaransstad.
This after two men were robbed of money and their belongings while in the process of purchasing cattle earlier in May in Boskuil. Police spokesperson Adele Myburgh says the victims of the scam were responding to an online advertisement for livestock when they were ambushed by a group of men at the salespoint. Myburgh provides insight into the suspects’ modus operandi.
“As a part of the suspects’ modus operandi, upon arrival of potential buyers, they would be allowed to view the product or taken to another place where presumed livestock or vehicles are kept. In some instances, the potential buyer would even be offered to test drive a vehicle which was advertised. The suspects will then rob the unsuspecting potential buyer of his personal belongings like cellular phones, wallets and cash,” says Myburgh.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the robbery.
Prospective buyers are warned to choose public meeting points when reacting to an online advertisement. Police say people should steer clear of meeting people in remote locations where there aren’t a lot of people. Meetings to view a product should be in the day, not the night. Myburgh says it's advised to bring people with you and notify your loved ones where you are at all times. Prospective buyers are discouraged from walking around with large wads of cash, especially when viewing the desired item in person.
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