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SSS has repeatedly warned the public over the past few years regarding this type of scam, but it remains a concern and it is increasing.
We remind the public of a few simple precautionary measures.
Individuals buying or selling vehicles on social media platforms like Facebook are prime targets for criminals and scammers.
STEPS TO TAKE:
BUYERS:
As a buyer, it is essential to take the following steps before buying a used car:
Research the Seller:
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.
Meet in a Safe Location:
Always insist on meeting the seller in a public, well-lit, and busy place during daylight hours.
Never agree to meet in secluded areas.
Meet at a SAPS station of your choice.
Do not pre-disclose the location - to prevent any criminal arrangements being made before the meeting.
Bring a Friend:
It is always recommended to have a friend or family member accompany you during the meeting.
If you feel uncomfortable going alone, let someone know where you will be and share your live location.
Have this companion take video footage of the entire interaction, from the details of the vehicle to the finalisation of the one-on-one transaction.
Have your seller do the same.
Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly:
Perform a detailed inspection of the vehicle, ask for maintenance records and inquire about accidents or issues with the car.
Confirm that the details on the registration papers agree with the vehicle itself, for example, the VIN number and the engine number.
It is also important that these details correspond with the information of NaTIS (National Administration Traffic Information System).
Ensure the name on the ID aligns with ownership/vehicle registration papers.
Test Drive:
Take the car for a test drive and ensure that you feel comfortable with the vehicle's performance and handling.
Do not do the test drive alone with the seller but rather have a trusted person in the car with you.
Verify Ownership:
Check the vehicle's title and verify that the seller is the legal owner.
Ensure that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches the information on the registration papers.
Secure Payment:
Always use secure payment methods and be wary of sellers who request payment via unconventional methods.
SELLERS:
As a seller, it is vital to take the following steps before selling your used car:
Create a Detailed Listing:
Provide accurate and detailed information about the vehicle in your listing, include clear photos and disclose any known issues.
Communicate only through your preferred social media platform, such as Facebook:
Always be cautious of buyers who try to communicate through external email or messaging services.
Conduct a video call and record/screenshot the interaction.
Set a Safe Meeting Location:
Choose a public and safe location for the transaction during daylight hours in a busy area.
A SAPS police station of your choice is optimum.
Do not pre-disclose the location too early, as this might allow criminals to make prior criminal arrangements.
Bring a Friend or Family Member:
Have someone with you during the meeting and share the details of the meeting with a friend or family member.
Have this companion take video footage of the entire interaction, from the details of the vehicle to the finalisation of the one-on-one transaction.
Have your buyer do the same.
Test Drive Precautions:
Ensure the buyer has a valid driver's license before allowing a test drive and accompany the buyer during the test drive.
Secure Payment:
Prefer secure payment methods.
Transfer Documentation Properly:
Provide a bill of sale and transfer the title to the buyer.
Complete any required paperwork according to your local regulations.
FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES WITHOUT DEVIATION.
Criminals exploit fake identities and forged documents. They attempt to change meeting locations to avoid detection or traps.
Online payments can be swiftly reversed. Ensure that if you expect a payment, you immediately transfer it to another secure account, so that scammers are not able to reverse it.
Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group. This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
• Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
• "JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
• You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here:
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Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
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