Ethekwini, KZN – Two men from Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape were defrauded of R129,000 after attempting to purchase a vehicle advertised online, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) confirmed on Thursday.
The victims, aged 23 and 25, travelled to Durban via taxi, arriving at approximately 14:00, before proceeding to Clairwood to meet an individual claiming to be the seller, accompanied by another person in a silver BMW.
“They were taken to what appeared to be a panel beating workshop, where they were shown a white Toyota Hilux double cab,” RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said.
“After a brief test drive, the victims agreed to purchase the vehicle and transferred R129,000 using a banking app.”
The seller instructed the victims that paperwork needed to be completed in Phoenix. However, upon arriving in Mt Edgecombe, the sellers asked the men to wait while they fetched a pen – and never returned. One of the victims also reported handing his phone to the seller to make a call, which was not returned.
Desperate, the victims made their way to the Verulam CBD, where they flagged down a RUSA member at a service station.
“This incident is a stark reminder that vehicle purchase scams are on the rise,” Balram warned. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and verify sellers before transferring any funds.”
RUSA has encouraged anyone with information on the suspects to come forward.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
