A Cape Town pensioner has opened a case of fraud against a car parts saleswoman after he paid more than R3 000 but never received his goods.
Allie Takay, 63, from Gatesville in Athlone said he was referred to a Facebook page by a Haval dealership employee and came across a woman by the name of Igna Bruwer who purported to be a seller of car parts.
The Gatesville resident said what was meant to be a simple purchase of a “cosmetic accessory“ for his new car turned into a nightmare when the Durban-based woman vanished with his money.
He said he suspected nothing untoward when he reached out to the woman and he promptly paid for the part after receiving the invoice on August 1.
“She acknowledged that she received the payment and said that the part would be delivered in three to five days,” said Takay.
But a week later, Takay said he was still waiting for his delivery and called Bruwer to enquire about the details of the courier company and tracking number and was met with empty assurances.
“She said she was busy with the couriers, she doesn't know what went wrong, she would refund my money by the morning on August 16.
“By the afternoon I still hadn’t received my refund and I called her. Then she stopped answering. I don't know if she knew my cell number by then because when I called from another number, she answered,” he explained.
Takay said the realisation that he’d been scammed set in when his number was blocked on WhatsApp and his calls went unanswered.
“I am very frustrated, its R3 500. We want to support people, especially in South Africa with small businesses, so it is disappointing to know that you still have people going around doing this, taking people for a ride.”
Takay cautioned consumers to be aware of possible scammers taking advantage of buyers on social media.
Takay had since opened a criminal case against Bruwer and sent her a letter of demand from the small claims court.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut, confirmed that a case of fraud was opened at Pinelands police station for investigation.
“It is alleged that the complainant paid for a vehicle part that was advertised on an online platform which the seller failed to deliver. No one has been arrested as yet,” he said.
Takay said he also approached Haval to warn them about Bruwer, who he said was tarnishing the company’s name.
Sales manager at Haval SA, Paul Daniels, said their hands were tied because the company had no affiliation with the woman.
“When Mr Takay approached us, I informed him that we are not affiliated to her in anyway, I also have no jurisdiction over her. She is a grey importer, she is not an endorser of our products,” he said.
When Weekend Argus contacted Bruwer she denied knowing who Takay was, but later changed her tune.
“Rerag? (really). He is making up a story there as well, he received his stock. I am not going to give anything up to you guys, because that's a lie.” Bruwer said.
“If you guys are gonna post anything in the newspaper I will sue the newspaper as well, there is no need to respond or anything, he is putting up lies on social media,” she said.
Bruwer could, however, not produce evidence that the part was delivered.
Weekend Argus