Motor dealers warned against fraud
This comes after a spate of fraudulent tenders targeting several dealerships in Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Pietermaritzburg
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) has warned car and truck dealerships in the region to be extra vigilant in tendering for contracts purporting to be from government departments.
This comes after a spate of fraudulent tenders targeting several dealerships in Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Kimberley and Pietermaritzburg.
Posing as representatives from various state departments, fraudsters allegedly use the logos of government departments on their emails to order high performance cars or specialised contractor vehicles in large quantities.
Upon delivery of these vehicles, randomly hired drivers deliver these to secluded destinations or depots.
Investigations on these cases have led to a few arrests and some recoveries.
Others remain at large owing to the fact that unsuspecting car dealerships often release these vehicles without payment, under the impression the ‘state’ tender and payment processes will follow.
As a preventative measure, dealerships are encouraged to visit the physical addresses to ensure the individuals they are dealing with are legitimate representatives of the said government departments.
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