By Darious Magara

The Police have warned vehicle dealers and the public against purchases vehicles via the Internet, saying many people have been conned.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Ibin Ssekumbi last week said the Police have received numerous complaints from the public about the vice, but added that many other victims might not have reported to the Police.

Speaking from his office at the Central Police Station in Kampala, Ssekumbi said people intending to buy vehicles via the Internet need to do due diligence to reduce the risk of being conned.

He said most complaints were about fake Japanese sellers, but added that Japan cannot handle the cases since they are considered civil. Ssekumbi advised those who must make purchases via the Internet to consult the Interpol office in Kampala and scrutinize the profiles of the companies they intend to make purchase from before committing their money.

“If they must make the purchase via the Internet, they have to deal with credible companies not individuals, otherwise they risk being conned,” he advised.

He added that people dealing in motor vehicle spare parts have also been conned.

Ssekumbi said because of the long distance between Uganda and Japan and being that the purchases are done online, it is difficult for the Government to protect the buyers and apprehend the suspects.