Not all that glitters is gold: A cautionary tale from Langa

A Langa resident recently fell victim to an online scam while attempting to repair his microwave. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world, said local police.

Langa police station commander Colonel Noxolo Ntshiba said the station has received numerous reports of online fraud.

Sango Bam found himself entrusting a stranger with his microwave, driven by desperation and the allure of a seemingly legitimate online service.

Mr Bam encountered a malfunctioning microwave, and as he needed a "quick fix," he turned to the internet in search of a reliable repairman.

He found what he thought to be a reliable repair service, and a conversation ensued, convincing him of the service's legitimacy.

Mr Bam followed the instructions provided by the individual, and he deposited money into a specified bank account.

The man said he would collect the microwave. After the transaction, Mr Bam waited for the repairman, but he did not arrive. Days passed, and Mr Bam was left without the microwave and out of the money he had paid.

The incident highlights the risks of online transactions, police said, and urges individuals to report suspicious online activity and verify the legitimacy of service providers before making payments.

"There's an increase in online fraud cases where people are buying items and going as far as paying for them online, only to find that the seller blocks them with no trace," said Colonel Ntshiba.

"My advice to community members is to be very careful of scammers, as their adverts are often too good to be true."