Industry Alert: Criminals develop new ways to steal cars in SA

Johannesburg - In its September 2021 monthly bulletin, SAIA has alerted consumers of a new scam that the association has been advised of by some of its motor members whereby criminals have been stealing cars from unsuspecting consumers in South Africa.

The non-life insurance association made up of about 58 non-life insurance members in South Africa with a market share eclipsing 90% warned policyholders and vehicle owners to be extra careful with their vehicles and ensure that they are speaking to the correct person about their car before they could even think about handing the keys over.

In an article written for the association's monthly bulletin, Zakes Sondiyazi, SAIA Insurance Risks Manager explains how the syndicate works:

"A new vehicle or used vehicle buyer will collect their vehicle after purchasing it from the dealer or a service centre after being serviced, and few moments later someone claiming to be from that dealer or service centre will call the new vehicle owner or client. The caller (mostly mentioning the name and full details of the client) will claim that there is something wrong with the vehicle, and someone will be sent to come and collect the vehicle so it could be checked or fixed. The vehicle is picked up, and that is the last time they see their vehicle.

"The latest scam reported was that of a client who bought a brand new 4X4 from a dealer. Later that day she received a call from someone claiming to be from the dealer who informed her that she had been handed over the wrong vehicle, therefore the dealership will be sending a lady to collect the vehicle, after which the dealership will deliver the correct one. The unsuspecting client handed the vehicle to the syndicate and the vehicle has disappeared; it had no registration numbers at the time."

Sondiyazi urges motor vehicle owners and policyholders to always exercise caution and vigilance by using some of the below tips to safeguard your assets:

• Please verify the information with your dealer principal, car salesperson or service manager before handing your car to a stranger. (This could be the one person you have spoken to at least once at the dealer or service centre).
• Offer to take the car yourself to the dealer or service centre when convenient for you.
• Buying a new car is good for the soul. It’s exciting. It’s fun but it should not cloud your judgement. That excitement should be counterbalanced by the checks and balances that must be made (make a list if necessary) to take that extra precaution and therefore prevent taking your hard-earned car or money just because you trusted the wrong person, pretending to be from a dealer or service centre.
• Take out the correct insurance cover for your vehicle. Recommended is comprehensive motor insurance cover and making sure your cover remains active. Installing a tracking system is a good risk management tool to use, get it installed before you collect the vehicle from the dealership. (Two or three days of waiting is better than not having the car at all).

To read the whole Bulletin, please click here.