Experts in cybercrime caution Facebook Marketplace users to conduct their face-to-face transactions in public locations equipped with CCTV cameras.
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According to IOL, a Kraaifontein couple is grappling with the aftermath of a harrowing assault, during which they were stabbed and robbed in Crossroads, Nyanga, on Saturday. Pieter Loedolff and Angelique Hawkins-Loedolff recount a tale of unsuspecting interest in a Playstation 5 console listed on Marketplace, only for their encounter with the purported seller to turn into a nightmare.
‘It was R4 500, marked down to R3 850.’
‘We communicated with them and made our way to a Crossroads house,’ said Hawkins-Loedolff.
‘When we stopped there, a lady came out and showed us to go, but it was too late.’
‘At least three guys surrounded us.’
‘One held me at gunpoint and a rock and the other one was busy stabbing my husband, asking where’s the money.’
‘The more my husband tried to get back in the car, the more they pulled him out and then I lay over the hooter to get the neighbours’ attention.’
‘They took my phone and then ran away.’
The distressed woman recounted that when they attempted to leave the area, they became disoriented and lost their way.
‘My husband was losing a lot of blood so was losing consciousness.’
‘We saw them run over a field. I was shouting at residents to tell me how to get out as well and all they did was look at me.’
‘We managed to go to hospital for my husband to be treated for the stab wounds.’
Hawkins-Loedolff mentioned she had always heard about Facebook scammers, but she never imagined they were driving into a trap.
‘I always read about Browns Farm being notorious for these events.’
‘I would like for other people to know, it’s not just Browns Farm, it’s also the areas near the airport or such as Crossroads where we were.’
‘How we are still alive, I don’t know.’
‘We haven’t even heard anything from the police.’
‘People mustn’t feel pressured to report robberies at Nyanga SAPS. They can report at a safer station. Many won’t report this kind of crime because they are scared of Nyanga.’
According to police spokesperson FC van Wyk, the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet. He added that they are also looking into a car hijacking allegedly perpetrated by scammers, which occurred over the weekend at Browns Farm.
‘The Western Cape police are concerned about these incidents where people who have used online platforms to advertise or buy goods fall victim to robberies or more serious crime after being lured by criminals acting as buyers to make a delivery in certain areas.’
‘It is on this basis that we felt the need to caution the public in general that it is not safe to venture into an unfamiliar area to make a delivery, or meet a potential buyer of an item which had been advertised on an online platform such as Facebook Marketplace.’
‘With this warning, the SAPS by no means discourage people from making use of online advertising platforms, but to exercise caution when doing so, to prevent becoming a criminal’s next victim.’
Mike Bolhuis, founder of Specialised Security Services (SSS), emphasised the importance of conducting thorough research on the seller before engaging in transactions.
‘Thoroughly check the seller’s profile and history on Facebook, including reviews and ratings, if available.’
‘Use the Facebook Messenger app to communicate with the seller and keep a record of your conversations.’
‘Thorough vetting is extremely important before you use any social media platform to buy any item.’
‘Although online platforms have made conducting business more convenient, it is crucial to remain vigilant to ensure your safety. If you have any doubts about a transaction, please contact SSS for a thorough investigation,’ he says.
Gino Solomons, director at Mzansi Blue Media and Events, highlighted Marketplace as one of the largest platforms for buying or selling. He noted that their company collaborates with clients to mitigate instances of scamming while also providing warnings about potential scammers.
‘There are transactions taking place on Instagram and Twitter,’ he said.
‘When you are going to buy online, you’ve got to meet at a public place, I don’t mean restaurant or street corners.’
‘Go to the nearest shopping mall, if you’re going to be working with large sums of cash, meet in a bank and ask the tellers to check the money.’
‘The person who is meeting you can also feel safe.’
‘Never invite someone to meet at your house and never go to theirs either,’ Solomons concluded.
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Picture: Misha Jordaan / Gallo Images