Scam safety tip: Junk Mail is NOT the ‘middleman’

scam-warningThe safety and security of our users are very important to us, and that is why we would like to caution you to take extra care when trading online and using classifieds services. Be wary and vigilant all the time to ensure that you DO NOT FALL VICTIM to a crime or crafty scammers.

PROTECT YOURSELF. Listen to your gut feeling. If something seems too good to be true, it more than likely is. If you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a transaction, be smart, back away, and report the seller to scam@junkmail.co.za.

Important Safety Tips: DO NOT pay for an item that you have not seen. DO NOT provide your banking details and address to a stranger. DO NOT meet a seller in an isolated area, or after dark. Always meet in a public place, such as the nearest police station, during daytime. As far as possible, trade with cash. Be careful of sellers ‘pushing’ you to buy because of reasons provided such as “it’s an urgent sale” or “I’m moving abroad”, etc. Be careful of way underpriced items. This is likely to be a scam.

Scam doing the rounds: Scammer claims Junk Mail is the ‘middleman’.

Be VERY careful when you come across a ‘seller’ who claims that Junk Mail facilitates the transaction between the buyer and the seller, and that Junk Mail has verified the seller or trader. This is FALSE INFORMATION.

Example response from a scammer FALSELY claiming that Junk Mail is the ‘middleman’:

“Hi again,

 R20,000 is the price. This is my number: +44xxxxxxxxxx, you can call me anytime.

I’m sorry you cannot see the car because I am not in the country and for this reason we must use JunkMail in order to be safe (I am a verified seller on JunkMail so we can use their services). I want to use JunkMail because we are in a country like South Africa and we both know that we can find very bad people here. I am sorry to say it because I love this country, but yes, South Africa is not what it used to be. All I need from you is your full name and address so I can register you as potential buyer on JunkMail.

Full name:

Complete address (street, city, where to be delivered):

Phone number:

 After I will have all this details I will forward them to JunkMail and I will proceed the order. JunkMail 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. Good to know that the car will be delivered to your home address only after the payment is completed. Delivery time will be 2 days. Of course comes with insurance covered by me until you take the ownership, RWC, keys, logbooks, clear title, full service plan and all the papers signed so you can easy transfer the car on your name. All the charges will be paid by me. I don’t have a outstanding amount on the car at a bank or financial agency as I paid cash for it. Also a 10 days refund policy will be included so if you will not like the car you will receive your money back. I have two more persons interested in buying the car and ready to pay for it so please send me your full name and address for delivery if you are ready to buy and pay it.

Note: Please do not give me your details just to put you in theme if you are not ready to make the payment first because me and my wife do not have time to waste, so I do not want to hear from you after the transaction is started that you refusing to pay or you will not answer back my emails, because this is an online transaction and some charges will be paid from our pocket after we will proceed with the JunkMail.

Thank you”

THE FACTS ABOUT TRADING ON JUNK MAIL:

  1. Junk Mail is only the advertising medium, connecting buyers and sellers. We are in NO WAY involved in the transaction process that takes place between a buyer and a seller. In other words, once the buyer and seller is connected through our advertising medium, Junk Mail takes no further sales administrative action.
  2. Junk Mail is NOT the middleman for payments occurring between buyers and sellers trading on our site.
  3. Junk Mail does NOT verify traders. There is no such thing as a “Junk Mail Verified Trader”, and this is a clear danger sign that you are dealing with a scammer.

Should you encounter a so-called ‘seller’, making any of the above statements, involving Junk Mail in the sale process or claiming to be a ‘verified’ Junk Mail trader, stop any further interaction with this person, and report them to us ASAP at scam@junkmail.co.za or phone (012) 432 2295. We appreciate your assistance in fighting scammers on our site.

For more information, and online trading safety tips, read our Blog.

Summary
Scam safety tip: Junk Mail is NOT the ‘middleman’
Article Name
Scam safety tip: Junk Mail is NOT the ‘middleman’
Description
Be VERY careful when you come across a ‘seller’ who claims that Junk Mail facilitates the transaction between the buyer and the seller...
Author
Publisher Name
Junk Mail
Publisher Logo

You may also like...

32 Responses

  1. J Kempen says:

    The AD Black Dodge advertised for R60 000 Is A scam the vehicle belongs to me

  2. Elton says:

    2005 Nissan 1400 Champ | | Bakkies and LDVs | 62520548 | Junk Mail Classifieds
    That advert is a scam

  3. lucky says:

    Hi Lucky and thanks for your interest in my vehicle,

    I will be more than happy to show you the bakkie, but as I told you I left it at Gumtree storehouse and they will send the bakkie to your home address once the transaction is started. I had a few transactions with them thanks to my work around the world and I trust their services for lower fees and I will be sure that you will get the bakkie without any scratches or damages. The registration disc on the wind screen is still valid. When I left the bakkie in gumtree custody I have signed the notification of change of ownership and I gave them the registration certificate and they made the police clearance to check if everything is fine with it. Please understand that I have a lot of inquires about the vehicle and the buyer will be the first one who accepts Gumtree conditions.
    Now let me explain the process and how this deal works.
    Once you confirm 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 the deal and also to see that we are 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 paid 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, and also drive it for 500 km.
    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 fully refunded.
    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.
    Yours faithfully,
    Boone

    boonesmith@photographer.net (Work)
    http://www.boonesmithnatgeowild.pcriot.com (My Work)
    Sent from my Ipad

    // I think this is something similer to that

  4. Richard says:

    This gut has a GP number plate on a white Hyundi getz R17000 for sale this is his messages to me please note via email trough junkmail Hello,

         My name is Boone 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 car. 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 London, England where is my home and to bring the car 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 car 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


    Boone Smith
    Biologist/Capture Specialist
    boonesmith12@gmail.com (Personal)
    Sent from my Ipad

  5. Richard says:

    It continues: Hi and thanks for your interest in my vehicle,

           My asking price is R17000 including all the fees of the transaction. I will be more than happy to show you the car, but as I told you I left it at Gumtree storehouse and they will send the car to your home address once the transaction is started. I had a few transactions with them thanks to my work around the world and I trust their services for lower fees and I will be sure that you will get the car without any scratches or damages. The registration disc on the wind screen is still valid. When I left the car in gumtree custody I have signed the notification of change of ownership and I gave them the registration certificate and they made the police clearance to check if everything is fine with it. Please understand that I have a lot of inquires about the vehicle and the buyer will be the first one who accepts Gumtree conditions.
    Now let me explain the process and how this deal works.
      Once you confirm 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 the deal and also to see that we are 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 paid 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 car in 3 working days and you will have 7 days to inspect and test it with an mechanic, and also drive it for 500 km.
      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 fully refunded.
    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.
       Yours faithfully,
            Boone

    On 27-May-16 2:51 PM,

  6. Richard says:

    The above emails from this scammer continues : Re: A RESPONSE to your Junk Mail Ad “HYUNDAI GETZ 1.4 GSI” has been received.

  7. Jean says:

    Someone buying for someone else in West Africa. Also a scam.

  8. jonny says:

    I got this response from the same person. He is using the identity of an American wildlife TV presenter Boone Smith.

    From: Boone Smith
    Date: 21 June 2016 at 08:02:37 BST
    To: *********@gmail.com
    Subject: Re: A RESPONSE to your Junk Mail Ad “Land Rover Defender Single Cab”
    Reply-To: boonesmith12@gmail.com

    Hello,

    My name is Boone 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0crgQQKvw
    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

  9. This add is a scam: http://www.junkmail.co.za/business/other-business-items/gauteng/johannesburg/benoni/the-rambler-backyard-chicken-coop-for-sale/43664669. Please note these people want payment up front in order to deliver the coop. I made a 50% deposit, my coop was never delivered and now they not returning my phone calls.

  10. Beware people who are looking for a property to rent.
    If you get a response from a property you are interested in and the person tells you that they are out of the country, the keys to the property is with them and only once the deposit and first months rent is paid will they courier over night the keys to you.
    THIS IS A SCAM. UNFORTUNATELY WE WERE CAUGHT FOR R6000!!

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Taryn-Lee,

      Thank you for bringing this to our attention. If this is related to any listing on Junk Mail, please send the link and any additional details you have to scam@junkmail.co.za.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  11. Lorraine Du Toit says:

    I think I was a victim of a scam! Replied to an ad on Junkmail on Wednesday morning for a caravan for sale in George. Had to pay R3000 with Cash Send for the lady, some Kelly Simpson, to keep the caravan for me to come for a view. After travelling to George, nobody answers, nobody at the estate she supposedly stay, knows her. Phone not been answered, even when the estate phoned. After I reported the ad to Junkmail, it dissapeared from the site. Not even find it on an e-mail I’ve sent to my sister earlier to ask her advice – it goes straight to another ad!

    The Ad Id was jxq6dj6.

    I feel I have to do something to stop her from conning other people, but don’t know what!

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Lorraine,

      We’re so sorry to heat that this happened to you. We’ll forward the info you supplied to the relevant people so that we can investigate it from our side. If you have any additional information on these scammers, please send the details to scam@junkmail.co.za.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  12. Tania says:

    Good evening, I am a seller on Junkmail and just want to warn you about a buyer with the following email address: mariazoova@gmail. com. The person tried to scam me out of R2000 today. They sent false payment information from a bank claiming that they paid R5900 in and for it to reflect in my account I need to pay R2000 through Western Union. It sent off red flags aswell as the fact that there were language mistakes on the document, so I took it to ABSA bank and the lady said that it’s a scam. So I am just warning all sellers against this person.

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Tania,

      Thank you so much for bringing it to our attention! We’re glad to hear you didn’t fall for this scammer’s tricks. We will send this to our scam department for further investigation.

      If you have any additional information on this scam, please feel free to send it to scam@junkmail.co.za.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  13. Lucille says:

    If someone wants to buy it in dollars could it be a scammer ?

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Lucille,

      It could definitely be an indication. Please take caution and do not hand over anything you’ve sold without confirming 100% that the money is in your bank account.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  14. Candice says:

    I received a reply for the items ive got on junck mail and this person is in the uk saying they wanna buy my product and nver heard from them again is that a scam or true ive never been scammed before

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Candice,

      We can’t say for sure if this is a scam or not. We always encourage people not to pay money unless they’ve seen the product or item in person.

      If you’re feeling uncertain, rather be safe than sorry.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  15. Trevor says:

    Hi! I’m Trevor

    I would like for advice or to hear from any buyer that has bought from a company called Sharaf electronics as I’m about to deposit R3000 for a phone they are going to courier from Capetown to Johannesburg. Any info about the legitimacy of their business will be grately appreciated thank u.

    • Jani Grey says:

      Hi Trevor,

      We would like to encourage you to be careful about paying for an item you haven’t seen in person. It could happen that you pay/transfer the money and never receive the phone. Please research this company properly and ask for references.

      Kind regards,
      The Junk Mail Team

  16. Roger says:

    A response to an ad I’ve posted (property for sale) has resulted in an obvious scam attempt received (via JunkMail ) “You’ve won an inheritance” etc. How do I return it to you for your attention?

  17. Pieter says:

    I am a regular advertiser on Junk Mail and frequently come across so called buyers who want to pay in dollars in my PayPal account. They even send me an sms showing they have paid the full amount in my PayPal account just to discover this was a scam. How can I block them or report them to Junk Mail ?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

sixteen − twelve =