Vehicle hunters should take note of what seems to be a dangerous new scam.

No deposits are needed to take over instalments on more than a thousand fairly new repossessed vehicles at attractive low prices offered in an advertisement pamphlet by Fisher-Redebe & Partners Auctions (Pty) Ltd of 83 Pine Street in Musina.

But we warned!

There are a few slight glitches. Firstly there is no such street address in Musina. CIPRO (Company and Intellectual Properties Registration Office) has no record of a Fischer-Radebe & Partners and the advertisement is in open contravention of the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) directive, stating that “Advertisements by brokers offering to arrange instalment take-overs or delegations, without the consent of the financial institution involved, will not be permitted. Advertisers wishing to offer such services will be required to provide proof that such consent has been given ...”

What seems to be a convincing scam for potential buyers elsewhere in the country, came to light when a potential buyer of one of the advertised vehicles arrived in Musina recently, to view his new vehicle at the Musina address. Unable to find the address, he contacted the only existing auctioneer in Musina, who had to give the buyer the shocking news: “It seems that you have been taken for a very expensive ride.”

“Fisher-Radebe & Partners (Pty) Ltd” states in its advertisement that the sale of 1434 bank repossessed cars and bakkies started on 1 February and ends on 31 May this year. The “bargain buys” include vehicles ranging from 2006 to 2009 models at prices ranging from R29 500 (VW Golf) to R99 000 (Toyota Quantum, Nissan Navara and Toyota Hilux).

Although “no deposits” are needed, pre-payment of R350 “for license and registration” and R850 for “delivery nationwide” is required.

To be approved as a buyer, the pamphlet says, you are required to send a SMS with your name and surname, ID number, address, where you work, type of car that you want and your contact details. The only contact number on the pamphlet is for a Mr David Fisher.

Numerous attempts by the Zoutpansberger to get hold of Mr Fisher, however, proofed fruitless. Upon phoning the number given, the call reverts to a voice mail that merely states: “Send us a SMS with your name, surname, ID, address, where you work, type of car you want and your contact details and we´ll get back to.”