A new vehicle scam has reared its ugly head and as your King of Local Classifieds, we wanted to take this opportunity to warn you about it.
Going by a number of names (including Andrew and Rachel), this Scammer offers a vehicle for sale on classifieds sites. Claiming that s/he lives in the United Kingdom and is not able to show you the vehicle, you will be required to make a full payment (via Western Union).
Do note that the seller claims various reasons for having a vehicle in South Africa despite the fact that s/he doesn’t live here, including a claim that s/he made a documentary in South Africa, spending two years here. This scam is really well thought out and extremely convincing, even providing you with a YouTube link to a trailer for the documentary.
How does this Scam work?
Once you make contact with the advertiser, you will receive a reply stating that you cannot view the vehicle as s/he is abroad, that other buyers are ready to pay the full amount and that, if you want to purchase the vehicle, you will have to make the full payment via Wester Union.
You will receive an invoice along with an Invoice and Transaction number. You will also receive instruction on the type of documentation required to make this payment. Do note that these documents, containing the Junk Mail and Auto Mart logos, are created to convince you that it comes from Junk Mail. This is however not the case.
Example of a Fraudulent Invoice.
The seller will also clearly state that you cannot inform Western Union that it is a vehicle purchase. Instead you will have to state that the money is a transfer to a friend.
Once you have made the payment, you are required to send proof after which the seller claims Junk Mail will release and deliver the vehicle to you. The seller even claims a 10 day money back protection in which, should you not be happy, you will receive your full refund within 24 hours.
Example of the false claims made by the Scammer.
This is a scam, the seller will disappear after you have transferred the money via Western Union.
Always remember the following:
Junk Mail will never facilitate a buy. www.JunkMail.co.za is an online platform where Buyers and Sellers meet. Junk Mail is not involved in the advertising, buying or selling of any goods – it is merely South Africa’s largest classifieds portal.
Junk Mail will never act as a Third Party or become involved in any dealings between the Buyer and Seller, Junk Mail does not receive, hold or release any funds whatsoever, or ‘store’ any of the products advertised by Sellers on www.JunkMail.co.za.
Junk Mail will never get involved in the Buying and Selling process between the users of our site. We will never ask for any funds of any kind. This particular scammer states that funds are held in a Junk Mail Buyer Protection Account (and variations of this name might also be used). Note that there is no such product as Junk Mail does not work with any funds transferred between Buyers and Sellers.
Also note that Junk Mail is not involved in the communications between Buyers and Sellers. This means that you will not receive any Invoices, Payment Notifications or Payment Requests from Junk Mail or any of its other group companies when selling or buying an item off the Junk Mail website or any of its sister sites. .
Example of a fraudulent document sent to a Junk Mail user.
When in doubt, contact our friendly Customer Service team to make sure that you are dealing with a legitimate seller.
Top Tips to Avoid a Scam
Because Scammers are getting better and better every day, we wanted to highlight some key tips to keep you from getting scammed:
- Never transfer (pay for) any item you have not seen with your own eyes.
- An advertiser should not require a deposit the products they are selling. Raise a flag when Buyers request a deposit to be paid.
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
- Be extremely vigilant with your online shopping. If you are not sure about any advert, or even if you get just a gut feeling, contact our Customer Care Team immediately.
- When reading ads, pay attention to the finer details like grammar, telephone numbers, email addresses and even the spelling used in the adverts.
- Remember that Junk Mail will never request any payments from you, deliver any goods to you or act as a third party.
You can also keep up to date with our latest scam warnings by visiting our Safety and Security Category on the Junk Mail blog and by visiting our Safety and Security Tips page.
What is being done?
Junk Mail is working closely with the relevant agencies to try and resolve this issue. At this moment in time, we are removing these fraudulent ads from our site as soon as they are placed. Do note that some may slip through our fingers.
Should you come across any suspicious adverts on Junk Mail or feel uneasy with any Buyer or Seller, please contact our dedicated team as soon as possible.
How can we reach the Junk Mail Team?
There are a number of ways you can contact us about what you feel might be a scam, or if you have been scammed.
1. The Junk Mail Website
You can complete the contact form on our Contact Junk Mail page.
2. Junk Mail Customer Care
If you have been scammed or should you come across any suspicious adverts on Junk Mail, please feel free to contact our Customer Care Team at the following details:
- Telephone: (012) 342 3840
- Email: scam@junkmail.co.za
3. Via Social Media
You can also contact us by sending a Message to our Facebook Page and Twitter accounts.
Remember to always be vigilant.
THIS PERSON IS TRYING TO CAR SCAM ME AS WE SPEAK FROM THE UK>>>>>>>>
Hi Johan, sorry to hear about this, and thank you for reporting it. Please send us the full details (including the email address of the person you’re dealing with and ad ID if you have it) to scam@junkmail.co.za. Have a nice day! 🙂
He is trying to scam me right now..he claims to be in the UK..he goes by the name ” Bruno Smith”
Subject: Re: A RESPONSE to your Junk Mail Ad “ISUZU KB SERIES KB250 DTEQ”
Hello,
My name is Bruno Smith and I am an employee of National Geographic television network in South Africa for the last 2 years, that is how I got the bakkie. I shoot a documentary for National Geographic, you can view the documentary on TV as soon it will be ready in few weeks. Here is a little part:
https://goo.gl/PzU2vC
Now I finished the documentary and I moved back to London, England where is my home and to bring the bakkie here for registration I have to pay almost the price of the vehicle so it’s to expensive. It is in excellent condition, no accidents, no scratches, no dents, no need for additional repairs, very well maintained. I agree to give you a few days to test it. The bakkie is registered in South Africa on my name so it will be a very easy process. If you decide to buy it I will bring it at your home address anywhere in South Africa. I will wait for your email if you are interested and have the funds ready.
Thank you
His email address:
bsm989862@gmail.com
Hi Max,
Thank you for the details. We will definitely look into it!
SCAMMER TRYING RIGHT NOW ON CARS FROM UK!!!!!!! SEE EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW
Thank you so much for this article. This has just happened to me as well. Mr Andrew Tapper, from Ireland, who made a documentary here…. blah, blah… has now left SA and returned to his homeland and has this 2004 Jurgens Caravan at a ridiculous low price. But he is even more clever now. He uses “Gumtree Warehouse” where his caravan is stored, and they also receive payments on his behalf, whereafter the caravan will be delivered to us and if we do not want the van Gumtree will refund us our money, retrieve the caravan from us and everything will be just fine. Here below is his story
—–Original Message—–
From: Andrew Tapper [mailto:andrewtapper0@gmail.com]
Sent: 28 March 2016 04:44 PM
To: Ashin
Subject: Re: A RESPONSE to your Junk Mail Ad “2003 JURGENS EXCLUSIVE CARAVAN” has been received
Hi and thanks for your interest in my vehicle,
I will be more than happy to show you the caravan, but as I told
you I left it at gumtree warehouse and they will send the caravan to
your home address. I had a few transactions with them because of my work
around the world and I trust them to use their services for low fees and
I will be sure that you will get the caravan without any scratches or
damages.
Now let me explain the process how this deal works.
Once you confirm me you agree the procedure, I will forward the details
to their team and they will contact you with all the details that you
need to complete this deal and also to see that I am covered by them and
that I am a verified seller. The vehicle will be delivered to your home
address once the payment is ready with insurance covered by me until you
take the ownership, RWC, keys, logbooks, police clearance, full service
plan and all the papers signed. Payment will be made to gumtree and not
to me, I don’t ask any money in advance.
After you send them the deposit receipt once with the invoice printed
and signed you will receive the caravan in 3 working days and you will
have 7 days to inspect and test it with an mechanic, drive it. Please
note that I also signed the notification of change of ownership (NCO).
At the end of the inspection period (7 days) you are forced to make a
decision: keep it and gumtree will pay me or reject the vehicle and you
will get refunded.
Please understand that I have a lot of inquires about the vehicle and
the buyer will be the first one who accepts gumtree conditions.
If you agree the conditions and you decide to continue the transaction,
you can send me your full name, address, phone number and a copy of your
ID or passport so I can start the transaction. As soon as I will get the
requested details, I will send you a copy of my passport so you can be
sure of my good intentions.In case you have any questions, this is my
phone number +447507226384 and you can call me anytime you want. Thank you
Yours faithfully,
Andrew
Hi, thank you for reporting this. Can you please send us the Ad ID of the particular ad to scam@junkmail.co.za. 🙂
Hello,
My name is Andrew Smith and I was an employe of National Geographic television network in South Africa for the last 2 years, that is how I got the bakkie. I shoot a documentary for National Geographic, you can view the documentary on TV as soon it will be ready in few weeks.
Here is a little part:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0crgQQKvw
Now I finished the documentary and I moved back to Ireland where is my home and to bring the bakkie here for registration I have to pay almost the price of the vehicle so it’s to expensive. It is in excellent condition, no accidents, no scratches, no dents, no need for additional repairs, very well maintained. I agree to give you a few days to test it. The bakkie is registered in South Africa on my name so it will be a very easy process. If you decide to buy it I will bring it at your home address anywhere in South Africa. I will wait for your email if you are interested and have the funds ready.
Thank you
I will be more than happy to show you the bakkie, but as I told you I left it at gumtree warehouse and they will send the bakkie to your home address. I had a few transactions with them because of my work around the world and I trust them to use their services for low fees and I will be sure that you will get the bakkie without any scratches or damages.
Now let me explain the process how this deal works.
Once you confirm me you agree the procedure, I will forward the details to their team and they will contact you with all the details that you need to complete this deal and also to see that I am covered by them and that I am a verified seller. The vehicle will be delivered to your home address once the payment is ready with insurance covered by me until you take the ownership, RWC, keys, logbooks, police clearance, full service plan and all the papers signed. Payment will be made to gumtree and not to me, I don’t ask any money in advance.
After you send them the deposit receipt once with the invoice printed and signed you will receive the bakkie in 3 working days and you will have 7 days to inspect and test it with an mechanic, drive it. Please note that I also signed the notification of change of ownership (NCO).
At the end of the inspection period (7 days) you are forced to make a decision: keep it and gumtree will pay me or reject the vehicle and you will get refunded.
Please understand that I have a lot of inquires about the vehicle and the buyer will be the first one who accepts gumtree conditions.
If you agree the conditions and you decide to continue the transaction, you can send me your full name, address, phone number and a copy of your ID or passport so I can start the transaction. As soon as I will get the requested details, I will send you a copy of my passport so you can be sure of my good intentions.In case you have any questions, this is my phone number +447494869510 and you can call me anytime you want. Thank you
Yours faithfully,
Andrew
andrews0066379@gmail.com SCAM
The reason I`m selling it is because It will cost me more than his price to bring it here and register it so I prefer to win something instead to loose everything.
Please read carefully this email because it is our transaction step by step! The bakkie is in gumtree custody, ready for shipping. Gumtree reduces the risk of fraud for both the buyer and the seller. As a trusted third party, gumtree receives, holds and releases funds online, according to transaction terms agreed upon by both parties.
How gumtree works:
*Buyer and seller agree on a price and they decide to continue the process by sending to Gumtree the buyer details. The buyer is notified via e-mail and sent a unique transaction number.
*Buyer Pays Gumtree (The buyer contact gumtree and finds the item using the unique transaction number. He pays the agreed amount and gumtree keeps his money safe and secure. A notification is sent to the seller to tell him that the buyer’s payment has been reserved.)
*Gumtree sends courier to buyer for delivery
*Buyer inspects goods once arrived (on delivery, the buyer opens the parcel and checks the item and after 7 days he decide to accept it or reject it.)
*Gumtree releases money to seller when accepted (If transaction is accepted, Gumtree releases the reserved payment to the seller. If rejected, the courier simply returns the vehicle to the seller and the buyer’s reserved payment is refunded.)
As soon as your payment is confirmed, Gumtree will notify the seller to start the delivery process with http://www.uship.com/za and in not more than 48 hours you will get the bakkie and you will have 7 days to decide if you will keep it or not. If you will keep it, you must inform gumtree about your decision and they will release the payment to the seller, otherwise, because their privacy policy offer an 7 days money back guaranty you will be fully covered and protected.
Please let me know if you agree the conditions so I can start the transaction and to announce the rest of the customers that the vehicle is sold. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you and I wish you a great day!
Andrew
andrews0066379@gmail.com
Hi Daniel, thanks for reporting this to us. We have blocked this email address from placing ads. Unfortunately, these scammers keep changing their email addresses when they place ads, making it very difficult to keep track of them. Please be vigilant! Have a nice day! 🙂
Hi. The scammer you talking about now is selling a Navara for R39000 he nearly got me. He uses the name of Kobus and Rachel claiming that he stayed in S.A for the past 2 years and now he moved to uk to do photo shooting for national geographic channel. Please trace bernard hill who is selling a ford bantam for R24000 please check whether its not spam because he sounds like this man.
Hi Mbulelo, thanks for reporting this. Please send further information to scam@junkmail.co.za. 🙂
Ek het met ‘n mnr Andrew Smith van Engeland onderhandel ivm 2002 rooi VW mikrobus vir R23000,selfde storie.Ek dink dieselfde VW MB is in Kimberley kontrei nou geadverteer vir R23000.Die voertuie is aansienlik duurder in ons mark.
This “Kobus and Rachelle” scheme is still going.
2005 Land Rover Defender 130 TD 5 Double Cab
ID:62626034
2005 Land
Rover 130 Defender TD5, Black (only one in SA)
Very
Unique and popular all over SA and Southern Africa.
(Own A Landy with a story and History)
Expedition
ready, lots of character and potential.
Many Accessories!!
Well
known on TV/Radio & Print media throughout SA and Southern Africa .
Inside roof lining autographed by many a celebrity and Adventurer.
Windows all smash and grab tinted
4 standard seats, plus a
middle seat in rear.
Front electric windows
After market alarm and
central locking
Snorkel
Bush cutters
Defender mag wheels and mag
spare
All BF Goodrich Mud
Terrains,roughly 10 000km used,
1 new spare BF Goodrich mud
terrain Tyres
Bull bar
2 x KC Hilites on bullbar
2 x Hella work lamps on rear
canopy
Humvee/ Dakar style canopy, aluminum, steel structure side doors and rear opens.
Double gas bottle holder
Fitted extra diesel tank,
75litre
C Tech battery charging
system and monitor
3 x batteries in sync, (2
new)
2 small pioneer speakers in
front
1 x front @ 6×9 Pioneers at rear
Rear hella power
point
Front Hella power point
1 x jack
1 x fridge
Unichip
for speed and fuel efficiency
New HDP SAFARI Gabriel
shocks, SPARE USED SET INCL
1 x hidden safe
Fitted
Head light and xenon
light kit,
spare standard headlights
lenses
Melvill &Moon seat
covers
SIDERAILS
Smash plate under neath
Drop Pin Tow hitch
Technichest box shelf system
on both sides of canopy
Spare wheel mounted on top of Canopy, Spare bracket on rear top canopy for second spare wheel.
Sadly has to be sold to the right buyer, who
understands the passion.
Don’t miss this opportunity to own this Respected and popular beast
Expedition ready, lots of character and potential.
If you want to be noticed and remembered, THIS IS FOR YOU.
R 45 000 For Sale
Placed: 21st May 2016
Region: Pretoria
AD Type: Private
AD ID: 62626034
http://www.junkmail.co.za/motoring/4×4-vehicles/gauteng/pretoria/2005-land-rover-defender-130-td-5-double-cab/62626034
There are many such scam adverts on your website, as well as Gumtree and a few others.
Hi Nic,
Thank you for the information! We will get our scam buster to look at these ads!
You are welcome to send any such information to scam@JunkMail.co.za!
Thanks you so much for keeping ua alert & on toes, it doesn’t go unnoticed. I almost gother scammed, at least I think so. I’m not going ton pursue that vehicle purchase any further cos chances are it’s more of a scam than real.
That’s good Siphiwe! 🙂
Vehicle: Ford – Fiesta Year: 2015 Mileage: 32500 Gearbox: manual Engine: 1000 Fuel: Petrol Price: R 31,000
Inbox
x
Dawie and Amanda
Oct 27 (5 days ago)
to me
Hello,
Sorry for the delayed response but we are in United Kingdom right now and we have been very busy and we cannot use it anymore. We shoot a documentary in South Africa for National Geographic and in two weeks the documentary will be ready. Here is a little part:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27jidcQXs7s
The rest will be on TV in two weeks. Anyway, thank you for your interest in buying the car. The car is registered in South Africa on Amanda’s name. We are selling this car at a very cheap price because we moved in UK with our work and we cannot use it anymore. The car is like new, in perfect conditions, accident free, no scratches, no special marks, no need for additional repairs, always garaged. You can see from the pictures. If you decide to buy the car we will bring it at your home anywhere in SA. We will wait for your email if you are interested and have the funds ready.
For more pictures or info to purchase the car please give us a reply, call or Whatsapp with your email address. For this price we have a lot of buyers interested on it so a reply to this email will be fine.
****almost got me******
Hi Thato, thanks for reporting this to us and for being so vigilant. It is most definitely a scam and our scam busters will investigate. 🙂