PROJECT: BEWARE OF "SYNERGY AUCTIONS"
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
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A Growing Online Scam Targeting South African Buyers
A company operating under the name Synergy Auctions is at the centre of an alleged online scam,
leaving a trail of defrauded customers across South Africa.
Posing as a legitimate auction house on WhatsApp, the operation allegedly lures victims with promises of
bargain-priced electronics and household goods, only to disappear with their money.
MODUS OPERANDI:
Synergy Auctions promotes its "auctions" primarily through WhatsApp groups, offering items such as house alarms, camera systems, air fryers, tools, and various electrical goods at seemingly unbeatable prices.
The alleged scam is sophisticated enough to appear credible in its initial stages.
1. THE FIRST ORDER:
To build trust, the fraudsters often process and deliver a first order successfully.
A customer receives an invoice, pays, and the goods are delivered via courier.
This convinces the buyer that Synergy Auctions is legitimate.
2. THE TRAP IS SET:
Encouraged by the first positive experience, customers place subsequent orders for often more expensive items.
3. THE DISAPPEARANCE:
After payment is made for the new orders, the communication stops.
Goods are never dispatched, invoices go unanswered, and the phone numbers eventually become unreachable.
The provided banking details (see below) are used to collect these fraudulent payments.
Multiple victims have come forward, leading to an active investigation.
Specialised Security Services (SSS), owned by well-known specialist investigator Mr. Mike Bolhuis,
is deeply involved in tracking this alleged scam.
The head of the Johannesburg Cyber Crimes Unit for SSS, Mr. JD Pienaar, is leading the investigation.
If you have been defrauded by Synergy Auctions,
you must come forward to aid the investigation and potentially recover losses.
CONTACT THE INVESTIGATION TEAM DIRECTLY:
MR. JD PIENAAR
Contact number: +27 66 377 3301
Email address: jdpienaar@mikebolhuis.co.za
JOIN THE OFFICIAL VICTIM'S SUPPORT AND COORDINATION GROUP:
To connect with other victims and receive direct updates from the investigative team,
you are urged to join the dedicated WhatsApp group via this link:
WARNING SIGNS AND PUBLIC CAUTION:
TOO-GOOD-TO-BE-TRUE PRICES:
Extreme discounts on popular goods are a major red flag.
PRESSURE TO PAY QUICKLY:
Scammers often create urgency.
EXCLUSIVE WHATSAPP OPERATIONS:
Legitimate businesses have verifiable websites, physical addresses, and established customer service channels, including multiple contact options beyond a single WhatsApp number.
BANKING DETAILS MISMATCH:
Always be wary if the account name for payment differs from the business name, though in this case, they appear aligned.
SSS advises the public to exercise extreme caution when dealing with online-only auctioneers on social media
and messaging platforms. Always research a company thoroughly, look for independent reviews,
and be suspicious of any business model that relies solely on WhatsApp for sales and communication.
By coming forward, victims can help shut down this scam and prevent others from falling prey to online-only auctioneers.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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