Public warned about online car scams

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEK A criminal syndicate has been operating on social media, advertising and selling vehicles without the knowledge or consent of the owners. According to police spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, two individuals were observed advertising vehicles for sale on the 'Car less than N$15 000 to N$20 000' and 'Second Hand Cars for Sale in Namibia' Facebook pages. When interested customers call the provided numbers, the scammers pretend to be out of town, making viewing of the vehicle impossible. “At that juncture, they will convince the prospective buyer to pay a deposit as a guarantee to reserve the car.” Shikwambi said the Facebook usernames are fake and they tend to use different mobile numbers, which they disconnect when they become aware that their actions are being scrutinised. Immediate payments “These criminals also demand immediate payments to be done via eWallet, EasyWallet and BlueWallet, rather than into banking accounts.” She said further information revealed that the cars listed for sale do not belong to the scammers, and that the rightful owners are unaware of their vehicles being advertised. “These are some of the tactics used to convince the desperate buyers by extorting, stealing under false pretence and/or rob would-be buyers of their hard-earned money.”Shikwambi appealed to the public to always be very careful when entering into sales transactions via electronic means.

Public warned about online car scams

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-19

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Public warned about online car scams

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-19

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