Facebook scammer WANTED for vehicle theft and fraud

A Facebook scammer has been thrust into the wanted list by police after defrauding car sellers on social media.

FREE STATE FACEBOOK SCAMMER ABSCONDS

Spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng confirmed that the Police are looking for a man who has failed to appear in court on charges of theft of motor vehicles and fraud.

“Unsuspecting victims who are selling their vehicles on Facebook Marketplace are being targeted by this alleged motor vehicle thief and fraudster.”

Thakeng

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MODUS OPERANDI BY THE WANTED FRAUDSTER

It is reported that the Facebook scammer contacts the seller and pretends to show interest in buying the vehicle for his girlfriend or wife as a birthday present. He then requests the bank account of the seller so that he can transfer the cash price of the vehicle up for sale. He then sends a notification and informs the victim that the money will reflect in the bank account after a few days.

“The seller (victim) will hand over the vehicle keys and papers of the vehicle and this fraudster will drive away with the vehicle. The victim (seller) will realize he has been scammed and that it was a fake notification that he received on his cellphone. Then the alleged fraudster will sell the same vehicle to a third party, usually a licensed vehicle dealership, “ Captain Thakeng explained.

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He further explained that the suspect was caught red-handed while busy trying to scam another seller by Welkom K9 Unit members on 28 October 2021.
“Sello, also known as Papa Khumalo, was positively identified by the victims and he appeared in Welkom Magistrate Court, where he was granted bail of R5 000. In November 2022, he failed to appear in court and thus the warrant for his arrest was issued. He is facing five charges of theft of motor vehicles and fraud. The crimes were committed in Winburg, Welkom and Thabong,” said Thakeng.

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WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU COME ACROSS HIM

“Should anyone have information leading to the arrest of this alleged fraudster and motor vehicle thief, they are requested to contact Detective Constable Siyabonga Bawuthi of the Welkom Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, who can be contacted at cellphone number 083 721 2918 or 076 791 5645. Alternatively, they can contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he appealed.

The Police also sent a stern warning to those selling vehicles or any item on Facebook Marketplace to be vigilant for fraudsters.

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