There have been several incidents of Facebook users getting scammed by false advertisements on the social media platform in North West.

Suspects do this by posting advertisements for cars on the marketplace section of the website, and when payment has been made, they ambush and attack the victims.

“Three Facebook fraudsters who scammed a father and his son appeared in the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (14/11) on charges of fraud, robbery, assault, as well as impersonating police officials. They were denied bail, and their case was postponed to 22 January 2024,” said North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame.

‘Several incidents of Facebook users getting scammed’

A 46-year-old suspect was arrested and appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on a charge of fraud after he reportedly defrauded a victim who responded to a Facebook advertisement for a Toyota Quantum vehicle.

“The victim met with the seller, viewed the taxi, and paid R150,000 through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) after signing the purchase agreement. A group of about seven men pretending to be police officers entered the house and demanded the registration documents and the vehicle's key.”

“The victim and her family overpowered the men, who ran away. The victim then drove the Quantum to the Jouberton police station. A case of fraud was opened, and the vehicle was seized,” said North West police spokesperson Aafje Botma.

‘Be careful when responding to online advertisements’

Netwerk24 reported two men were robbed when they went to view vehicles they saw advertised on Facebook. Jaco Basson, chairperson of Pretoria Rugby Club, was robbed, assaulted, and shot dead.

Johan Pieterse was one of the men who responded to a Facebook advertisement and was assaulted and robbed of R34,000.

North West Police Commissioner, Sello Kwena, urged members of the community to be careful when responding to online advertisements and to meet potential sellers in public places for their safety.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame   Daphné