Knysna police says they've noticed a spike in cases of internet fraud over the past few months.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Chris Spies, perpetrators lure victims into paying large sums of money through bank transfers or other payment methods for goods or services.
He says in other cases victims are also enticed into buying products advertised on the internet or through social media which are not delivered to the paying customer.
Spies says members of the public should check the credentials of the person or business to see whether or not the person operates a legitimate business or that the business does exist.
He also advised the public not to pay anything in advance unless you're absolutely sure that goods or services are going to be delivered.
Spies says many victims do not report these crimes to police, possibly out of embarrassment.
