Woman loses USD 16k in Facebook car scam

Itai Mazire

A 35-year-old woman from Hillside was defrauded of USD 16 031 after responding to a Facebook advert for a grey baby Quantum vehicle, police had said.

“Police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of fraud where a female adult was defrauded of her money,” said Assistant Inspector T. Ndlovu, Deputy Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province.

According to police, the victim saw an advert on 7 April 2026 at around 1000 hours “posted by an unknown accused person advertising a grey baby Quantum vehicle under the group Quality Import Cars”.

“The complainant contacted the accused person via WhatsApp and indicated that she was interested in purchasing the vehicle,” Asst Insp Ndlovu said.

“She then made payments, and the total amount paid was USD16 031.00.”

But after she paid the full agreed amount, “the accused person demanded more money.”

“This raised suspicions, and the complainant refused to make any further payment,” police said. “The unknown accused person then switched off his mobile phone and became unreachable.”

“It was then that the complainant realised that she had been duped,” said Asst Insp Ndlovu.

“A police report was then made. The total value defrauded is US$16 031.00, and nothing was recovered.”

Police have issued a stark warning to the public: “We appeal to members of the public to exercise caution when buying vehicles or other goods through social media platforms.

Members of the public are advised to verify the authenticity of sellers, inspect goods physically before making any payment and avoid transferring money to unknown persons.”