One thinks they are savvier than to be caught by fraud, but the fact is that those that do it are aware of all the simple ways to out swindle because it is what they do, it is who they are - conmen! Recently Twiice International was on the receiving end, when a well-spoken man walked away from the Johannesburg showroom and “purchased” a sum of goods.
The man, named Maurice Johnson phoned the Johannesburg showrooms with a story he was opening a boutique guest-house in the North West province and hence required domestic furniture. The “client” had done extensive research on the Twiice website and had a list of items that he required, and from there the story unfolds into one of deception, lies and fraud. What does a con-man sound like? Charming, polite, friendly and personable - it is what they do, pull you in, so you do not question any discrepancies and subsequently you are the one that is found caught out, not a pleasant feeling - but one has to admit, this is what happened.
The Twiice sales executive was in constant communication, willing to assist in any way and after approximately twenty phone calls back and forth, he had his choice! Due to being afar, and not in the vicinity of Johannesburg, it was agreed that he would send his driver to pick up the items, he too being charming and going by the name of Lucky.
Procedures were followed and the order confirmation signed, it was a great sale - fantastic products chosen by a well spoken, amiable man “Maurice Johnson” who without hesitation sent through the electronic proof of payment (EFT), and only after a few days when it was confirmed that money had in fact not come through did Twiice realise that they were duped, the EFT had been doctored, and the man was not named Maurice Johnson - as quite vividly thereafter it was noted that Maurice Johnson is a pseudonym, the email address used mjohnson@mweb.co.za was not real and as he was “in the north west province setting up his guesthouse” there was no address!
Matters have transpired thereafter are that the police were naturally notificed, Twiice staff had the drivers phone number and after phoning incessantly and without fail, hit a lucky note when the driver left the SIM behind at a call box, the SIM was collected by staff members and police alerted - for now, there is a patient and hopeful wait.
It does happen - it happened to us at Twiice but lessons are learnt - be aware, if one is well dressed or spoken or charming does not mean to evade that there is no sinister reasons - just as much as that person not so well dressed may (and often is) be the person that actually does buy!
So be warned, and if a man named Maurice Johnson who is well spoken with a charming disposition, comes into your shop or in some way makes encounters, firstly please do let us know and secondly - please do beware!