Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
The public has been encouraged to exercise caution when dealing with vehicle import agents following reports of a surge in fraudulent schemes that have left some local car buyers counting their losses.
The warning comes after the Zimbabwean Embassy in Tanzania reported an increase in cases of vehicle importers approaching the mission for assistance after allegedly being defrauded by bogus agents.
In a statement on Monday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika said prospective vehicle importers should conduct thorough due diligence before engaging third parties to facilitate transactions.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade hereby advises the public to be cautious of fraudulent car import agents who are swindling buyers out of their hard-earned money,” said Mrs Chidawanyika.
“The Zimbabwean Embassy in Tanzania has reported an increased number of cases of vehicle importers in Zimbabwe who have approached the Embassy for assistance after being fleeced of their funds by bogus Zimbabwean import agents.
“Reports indicate that these deceptive agents are invoicing clients for the full vehicle price, only to disburse 50 percent of these funds to the suppliers. Once the vehicles arrive in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, the agents cut off contact or fabricate excuses, such as cargo loss or non-existent extra fees.”
Mrs Chidawanyika said that to prevent financial loss, the public must conduct due diligence before engaging third parties for such transactions, and ensure that all details of transactions and movement of their vehicles are sent to them directly by the suppliers and not through third parties.
“Engaging the supplier could be useful to obtain information on reputable local agents that work in collaboration with the suppliers,” said Mrs Chidawanyika.
