GEORGE NEWS - Local businesses are reportedly being used as fronts in a series of alleged scams involving the sale of catering equipment.
Susan Meyer of Terry’s Auto Clinic, a vehicle repair business in George, said her shop receives between five and 10 enquiries a week from members of the public asking about second-hand catering equipment advertised online.
According to Meyer, many of the listings appear on Facebook Marketplace and direct potential buyers to WhatsApp-based ‘sales representatives’ offering items such as ice cream machines, ice makers and coffee machines.
Screenshots seen by George Herald indicate that one such operation is listed as B.J Events and Catering Equipment, displaying an inventory of catering equipment. Meyer said she conducted her own investigation and exchanged WhatsApp messages with a person identifying themselves as ‘Ashley’ from the company. The conversation reportedly ended abruptly when she questioned the listed address at 34 Foundry Road, George.
Screenshots taken from the Macdees Catering and Catering website showing advertised products and listed business details.
Meyer said about 70% of those making enquiries had not yet paid, but several alleged victims are believed to have transferred substantial amounts, in some cases more than R70 000. One person reportedly travelled from Cape Town to verify a business listed online.
She advised buyers to carry out basic checks, including using Google Street View, before making payments. Meyer added that most complainants appear to be elderly.
In a recent incident, Execuspecs Blanco allegedly paid for a coffee machine through a website linked to macdeescateringandcatering.co.za, which listed 34 Foundry Road as its business address. When the owners arrived to collect their purchase, they discovered that the premises belonged to Terry’s Auto Clinic. Execuspecs Blanco said it reported the matter to the George Herald to raise awareness and help prevent further losses.
Screenshots taken from the B.J Events and Catering Equipment WhatsApp.
Meyer said both the police and the Hawks are investigating the matter. However, the George Herald had not received confirmation from either organisation that such investigations were under way at the time of publication.
When contacted, a man answering the number listed for B.J Events and Catering Equipment ended the call after being asked to confirm the business address. George Herald had received no response from either B.J Events and Catering Equipment or Macdees Catering and Catering to follow-up WhatsApp questions at the time of publication.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
