Surviving a Facebook Marketplace Scam: Rondebosch East Dad's Harrowing Tale

A father from Rondebosch East recounts his near-death experience after he was ambushed, abducted, and almost murdered in Brown’s Farm while selling car parts via Facebook MarketPlace.

45-year-old Danyaal Adams was left with a fractured jaw from a pistol whipping in a mall parking lot last Saturday.

The dad of four expressed disbelief that his life was spared by the same man who orchestrated the robbery.

Adams revealed that he had advertised a variety of car parts for sale on MarketPlace and was approached by an individual named “Aino.”

He recalled that Aino suggested meeting at Brown’s Farm, but he declined, instead agreeing to rendezvous in the Lansdowne Corner Mall parking lot.

Upon reaching the designated spot a little before 6pm, Adams was met by a well-dressed man who introduced himself as Aino.

“He asked about the car parts, and as I started showing him, he gestured as if calling his father from across the street. That’s when everything spiraled,” Adams said.

Out of nowhere, about eight or nine men surrounded him, at least five of them armed. “One attempted to strike me with a baton. I fell to the ground, and then a man with a Glock hit me in the face. I was seeing stars.”

The assailants demanded cash, shoved him into a Toyota Venture, and sped off towards Brown’s Farm, also commandeering his bakkie.

Upon reaching their destination, the gang continued their assault, demanding his bank card pin codes. “They already had my wallet, ID, and phone,” Adams lamented.

“They dragged me out of the van and fired two shots past my head as they did.” It was at this point that Adams realized his life meant nothing to them. “Upon hearing the shots, I understood they’d stop at nothing for money, so I gave them the pin.”

In an unexpected turn of events, Aino shielded him, telling him to “lay still, brother. It’s going to be over. I promise they won’t hurt you anymore.”

Adams shared that a woman who had witnessed the assault came out of her house and yelled, causing the attackers to flee, leaving his bakkie behind.

Adams managed to escape the scene in his bakkie.

He reported that the criminals managed to withdraw over R9 000 from his accounts before he could block his cards.

Upon reporting the incident at the Claremont police station and filling out a sworn affidavit for the banks, Adams was informed that he needed a J88 form to register his case.

“I went to a doctor who referred me to a hospital. At the hospital, however, they couldn’t assist me because even though I knew my ID number, I only had outdated copies,” Adams said. “I didn’t have phone insurance, so I just left the case number.”

Adams has since cautioned people to exercise caution when selling items online.

What precautions to take when buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace

When buying and selling on Facebook Marketplace, it’s essential to follow these precautions to protect yourself and your property:

1. Verify the Buyer/Seller: Check their Facebook profile for authenticity. If the profile is new or has little activity, it could be a red flag.

2. Meet in Public Spaces: Always meet in a well-lit, crowded public place. Many police stations offer “safe exchange zones” for online transactions.

3. Bring a Friend: If possible, bring a friend with you when you meet the buyer/seller.

4. Inspect the Item: If you’re a buyer, thoroughly inspect the item before purchasing. If you’re a seller, make sure the payment method is secure before handing over the item.

5. Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid wire transfers or other untraceable payment methods. Use secure and traceable payment options, such as PayPal.

6. Don’t Share Personal Information: Avoid sharing unnecessary personal information, such as your home address, phone number, or bank details.

7. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right about a transaction or the other party, it’s better to cancel the transaction.

8. Keep Communication on the Platform: It’s safer and more secure to keep all communication within Facebook Marketplace. This ensures there’s a record of your conversation if something goes wrong.

9. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious activity, report it to Facebook and your local authorities.

Remember, no deal is worth compromising your safety or security. Always prioritize your well-being when buying or selling items on online platforms.