SUCCESS PROJECT: PYRAMID-STYLE ONLINE FRAUD EXPOSED - "TRENDY RUBY AND THINGS"
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A Conviction That Reveals a Dangerous Evolution in Online Fraud
On 18 May 2026, a significant conviction in the Brits Magistrate's Court highlighted the growing threat
of sophisticated online fraud schemes operating under the guise of legitimate e-commerce platforms.
What appeared to be an ordinary buy-and-sell website known as "Trendy Ruby and Things" was, in reality,
an organised criminal operation that allegedly defrauded numerous victims across South Africa.
The investigation, conducted through the collaborative efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and
Specialised Security Services (SSS), uncovered a fraudulent scheme that relied on deception, misrepresentation,
and the continual recruitment of new victims to sustain its operations.
This case serves as a warning to all South Africans about the dangers of conducting business online
without proper verification and due diligence.
CONVICTION OF DENISE SUZETTE NORTJE:
Mrs. Denise Suzette Nortje (57), from the Rustenburg area, was convicted in the Brits Magistrate's Court under case number CAS 226/5/2024.
The court sentenced Mrs. Nortje in terms of Section 271(1)(h) of the Criminal Procedure Act to two counts of correctional supervision of 24 months each, wholly suspended for a period of five years, subject to specific conditions.
While the conviction represents an important milestone in the investigation, evidence gathered during the course of the matter indicates that Mrs. Nortje did not operate alone.
Information obtained by investigators suggests that multiple individuals were involved in facilitating and maintaining the fraudulent operation.
The South African Police Service has confirmed that additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
HOW THE FRAUDULENT SCHEME OPERATED:
Investigators established that the operation followed a structured pattern commonly associated with Ponzi-style and pyramid-based fraud mechanisms.
The perpetrators allegedly advertised products for sale that they did not own or possess.
Victims were attracted to listings that appeared legitimate and were persuaded to make payments for goods that either did not exist or were unavailable for delivery.
In several instances, the same item was reportedly sold to multiple victims simultaneously, resulting in numerous individuals believing they had purchased the same vehicle, trailer, or product.
Funds received from new victims were frequently used to refund or placate previous complainants who demanded repayment.
This practice created the illusion of a functioning business while concealing the underlying fraud.
As long as new victims continued to provide money, the operation could temporarily satisfy older complaints and avoid immediate detection.
In many cases, however, victims received neither the advertised product nor a refund.
Once payments had been made, communication often ceased, leaving victims with substantial financial losses.
This method is commonly referred to as a "rob Peter to pay Paul" scheme and is characteristic of fraudulent operations that depend entirely on a continuous flow of new victims.
ADDITIONAL CASES UNDER INVESTIGATION:
The investigation has identified at least thirteen additional matters displaying the same modus operandi.
Victims originate from different regions of South Africa, yet investigators have noted striking similarities between the complaints.
Common elements include false advertisements, duplicate sales of products, misrepresentations regarding ownership, and the movement of money between victims to sustain the operation.
The existence of multiple related cases suggests that the fraudulent activity may have been more extensive than initially believed.
Investigators are currently working to consolidate evidence and identify all individuals involved.
Further criminal charges and arrests are expected as additional victims come forward.
THE GROWING THREAT OF ONLINE MARKETPLACE FRAUD:
Online marketplace fraud remains one of the fastest-growing forms of cyber-enabled crime in South Africa.
Criminals increasingly exploit social media platforms, classified advertising websites, and online marketplaces to target unsuspecting buyers.
The anonymity provided by the internet enables offenders to create false identities, publish fictitious advertisements, and rapidly move stolen funds through various accounts before authorities can intervene.
Victims often lose significant amounts of money and may face considerable difficulties recovering their funds.
In many cases, investigations become complex because offenders operate across multiple provinces and utilise sophisticated methods to conceal their identities.
Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing goods online, particularly high-value items such as vehicles, trailers, machinery, electronics, and construction equipment.
ESSENTIAL SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE PURCHASES:
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of online fraud, SSS recommends the following precautions:
1. NEVER SUCCUMB TO PRESSURE TACTICS:
Fraudsters frequently create a false sense of urgency by claiming that another buyer is waiting, that a special offer is about to expire, or that immediate payment is required to secure the item.
Legitimate sellers will allow a reasonable time for verification and due diligence.
2. VERIFY THE SELLER AND THE PRODUCT:
Request a live video call with the seller and insist on seeing the advertised item in real time. During the video call, take screenshots that clearly identify both the seller and the product.
Any refusal to comply with reasonable verification requests should be regarded as a significant warning sign.
3. PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE:
Retain screenshots of advertisements, conversations, payment requests, banking details, invoices, and proof of payment.
This information can prove invaluable during criminal investigations and legal proceedings.
4. SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE BEFORE MAKING PAYMENT:
Before transferring funds for any high-value online purchase, obtain an independent assessment from a trusted source.
A simple verification process can prevent substantial financial losses.
RECOGNITION OF INVESTIGATIVE EFFORTS:
The successful investigation and prosecution of this matter would not have been possible without the dedication and professionalism of members of the South African Police Service in Brits.
Special recognition is extended to:
Sgt. E.S. Mokhutshoane.
Lt. Col. Jenner.
Det. Sgt. Mamashela.
Special acknowledgement is also extended to the SSS Specialist Investigator:
MR. JD PIENAAR
SSS Cybercrime Investigations
Contact number: +27 66 377 3301
Email address: jdpienaar@mikebolhuis.co.za
Members of the public who believe they may have fallen victim to "Trendy Ruby and Things",
or any similar online fraud operation are encouraged to contact Mr. Pienaar for assistance and guidance.
A WARNING TO THOSE STILL INVOLVED:
The conviction of Mrs. Denise Suzette Nortje does not mark the end of this investigation.
Numerous additional cases have already been identified, further evidence continues to emerge, and more victims are coming forward.
Those who participated in, facilitated, or benefited from this fraudulent operation should understand that investigators remain actively engaged in pursuing all individuals connected to the scheme.
Justice may be delayed, but it is seldom denied.
This case demonstrates how easily criminal syndicates and fraudsters can disguise themselves
as legitimate online businesses while exploiting the trust of ordinary South Africans.
As online commerce continues to grow, so too does the sophistication of cyber-enabled fraud.
Specialised Security Services urges all members of the public to remain vigilant, verify every transaction,
and report suspicious activity immediately. Through awareness, cooperation with law enforcement, and proactive investigation, further victims can be prevented and those responsible can be brought before the courts.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
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