Durban vehicle sale fraud syndicate busted: Two arrested for social media fake deals
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a vehicle sale fraud syndicate in Durban.
Image: File
Two suspects connected to a vehicle sale fraud syndicate were arrested in Durban on Friday and have been linked to several cases where vehicles were advertised for purchase on social media platforms.
The Durban Metro Police along with the SAPS and other law enforcement units, arrested the two suspects.
In a statement, the Durban Metro Police said that a police officer, a Warrant Officer from Cape Town had reported that he and his wife had been scammed and robbed while attempting to purchase a Toyota Quantum in Durban.
“The suspects reportedly arranged a meeting, allowed a test drive, and even proceeded to a licensing office under false pretenses. The complainant paid R10 000 in cash and was instructed to deposit a further R120 000 into a fraudulent Capitec account.
“After being misled to various locations, the complainant and his wife were abandoned in the city and their personal belongings were taken.”
pA case was opened with the police and a sting operation was set up on Friday, February 13.
“On 13 February 2026, during a coordinated sting operation, the suspects were apprehended after attempting to repeat the same scam using social media platforms to lure another buyer. The operation involved multiple law enforcement units and led to the arrest of the suspects at a licensing office in Pinetown.
“Evidence, including marked money, was recovered.The suspects are linked to multiple fraud cases and complainants have positively identified them. Further investigations are underway.”
Several units were involved in the operation including Metro Police Crime Prevention Task Team, Metro Police Tracking Unit, Bicycle Intervention Unit (Beachfront) and SAPS Crime Intelligence.
The Durban Metro Police urged the public to be vigilant when purchasing vehicles through social media platforms.
“Always verify ownership, avoid cash transactions, and conduct payments through secure, verified channels.”
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