Crime Focus Zimbabwe | Prevent • Protect • Prevail
Harare — The Government has urged Zimbabweans to exercise extreme caution when dealing with vehicle import agents following a sharp increase in fraudulent schemes targeting car buyers.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade after the Zimbabwean Embassy in Tanzania reported receiving numerous complaints from vehicle importers seeking assistance after allegedly being defrauded by bogus agents.
According to Ministry spokesperson Mrs Philisiwe Chidawanyika, some fraudulent agents are demanding payment for the full value of vehicles from clients but allegedly forwarding only 50 percent of the money to suppliers.
Once the vehicles arrive in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, the agents reportedly disappear, stop answering calls, or invent false explanations, including claims that the cargo has been lost or that additional fees are required before release.
Government Advisory
Mrs Chidawanyika urged prospective importers to carry out thorough due diligence before engaging any third party to facilitate vehicle purchases.
She advised members of the public to:
- Verify the identity and legitimacy of the import agent before making any payment.
- Communicate directly with the vehicle supplier or dealership rather than relying solely on intermediaries.
- Request invoices, shipping documents, and vehicle movement updates directly from the supplier.
- Seek recommendations from the supplier regarding reputable Zimbabwean agents with whom they officially work.
⚠️ CRIME FOCUS SAFETY ALERT
Fraud involving imported vehicles has become increasingly common, particularly through WhatsApp, Facebook, and other social media platforms where criminals advertise vehicles at prices that appear too good to be true.
Warning Signs of a Bogus Import Agent
- Demands for full upfront payment into a personal account.
- Refusal to provide company registration documents.
- Pressure to make payment urgently to secure a "special deal."
- Communication conducted only through WhatsApp with no verifiable office address.
- Failure to provide tracking numbers, bills of lading, or supplier contacts.
Community Awareness Message
Before sending money for an imported vehicle:
✔ Verify the supplier
✔ Confirm the agent
✔ Keep written records
✔ Never rely on verbal promises alone
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a vehicle import scam is encouraged to report the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Commercial Crimes Division immediately and preserve all payment receipts, bank records, invoices, and communication with the agent.
Crime Focus Zimbabwe reminds the public: If a vehicle deal sounds unusually cheap or requires secrecy and urgency, treat it as a potential fraud. Stay alert, verify every transaction, and protect your hard-earned money.
Crime Focus Zimbabwe
Prevent • Protect • Prevail
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