In an increasingly interconnected world, scammers are finding new and creative ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. We, at Kelston Motor Group, have always prioritized transparency, honesty, and customer trust. However, it has come to our attention that there are scammers attempting to tarnish our reputation by impersonating our employees and using our name to steal money from innocent customers. We feel it's our responsibility to inform you about this scam and provide guidance on how to protect yourself.
The Scammer's Approach
The scammer, operating through WhatsApp, claims to be an employee of Kelston Motor Group and lures individuals by offering them the opportunity to earn a 10% commission on the sale of a car. They instruct the victims to post an enticing car ad on their behalf on Facebook Marketplace, advertising the vehicle at an unrealistically low price. This tactic is designed to attract a large number of potential buyers.
Once a victim takes the bait and posts the ad, the scammer instructs potential buyers to pay a 10% deposit in order to secure a viewing of the car. However, as soon as the deposit is made, the scammer disappears, leaving the victim in a difficult situation, having to face frustrated customers who paid the deposit but never received the car they thought they were buying.
How to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Identity: If you receive a message from someone claiming to be an employee of the Kelston Motor Group, verify their identity through official channels. Contact our company directly through our website online chat. Please click the following link - https://kelston.co.za/
- Check for Official Communications: We primarily communicate through official company email addresses and phone numbers. Be wary of any communication that comes from unofficial sources. All Kelston email addresses come from the Kelston.co.za domain, and we do not use addresses with domains such as outlook.com, auctioneer.net or similar
- The Kelston Motor Group does not bank with Capitec Bank - should you receive an 'invoice' from the scammer with Capitec banking details, you can be assured that it is not the Kelston Motor Group
- Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Deals: Scammers often entice victims with deals that seem too good to be true. If a deal appears unrealistically favourable, it's a red flag.
- We do not ask customers to post for us: At Kelston Motor Group, we post all our ads ourselves through our marketing team and our bona fide sales consultants. We would never ask someone to post on any platform on our behalf.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, trust your instincts and take the time to investigate further before taking any action. Contact us via live chat on our website - https://kelston.co.za/
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious messages or activity, report it to Kelston Motor Group immediately. By doing so, you contribute to the protection of others. Visit our website - https://kelston.co.za/
Our Commitment to You
At Kelston Motor Group, we are deeply committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We will never ask individuals to engage in transactions that involve transferring money or personal information through unofficial channels. We will also never ask people to post on any platform on our behalf.
Please help us spread the word about this scam to protect others from falling victim to such deceitful practices. By staying informed and vigilant, we can collectively put an end to these malicious activities and continue to foster trust within our community.
If you have any doubts or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us directly through our website - https://kelston.co.za/ or email marketing@kelston.co.za
Your security is our top priority, and together, we can ensure a safe and trustworthy online environment.
