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Warning: Online Shopping Scams on the Rise in Gauteng

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Management of the Police in Gauteng has sounded the alarm on an increase in social media-related online shopping incidents, resulting in unsuspecting buyers falling victim to hijackings and robberies. The scams have become prevalent in the Winterveld, SAPS Loate policing precinct, Tshwane District, where suspects use Facebook's e-commerce site 'Marketplace' to lure victims. Once a meeting is arranged, the victim is taken to a secluded location, accosted by armed men, and robbed of their belongings and vehicle.

Key Takeaways:

  • 36 suspects have been arrested for armed robbery and 11 for car hijacking in Gauteng from January 2022 to October 2022.
  • Suspects use Facebook's e-commerce site 'Marketplace' to lure victims, promising goods and services at a low price.
  • Victims are approached by a young man who then takes them to a secluded location, where armed men rob them of their belongings and vehicle.
  • Police warn the public to be vigilant and only conduct online shopping through reputable companies or applications.
  • Tips to avoid falling victim to online shopping scams include:

+ Approaching a prospective online buyer or seller with caution

+ Verifying the buyer or seller's online profile

+ Not disclosing personal information

+ Avoiding meeting in secluded areas

+ Ending conversations if doubts arise

  • The public is reminded to report any crime to their nearest police station and to give crime tip-offs by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via MySAPS App.

Statistics:

  • 36 suspects arrested for armed robbery from January 2022 to October 2022
  • 11 suspects arrested for car hijacking from January 2022 to October 2022
  • Online shopping scams have become prevalent in the Winterveld, SAPS Loate policing precinct, Tshwane District.
  • The number of online shopping scams in Gauteng has increased, resulting in unsuspecting buyers falling victim to hijackings and robberies.

Sources:

  • South African Police Service (SAPS), November 14, 2022, Management of the Police in Gauteng.

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