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An apparent online scam targeting vulnerable residents with promises of free wheelchairs has sparked concern in Pietermaritzburg, with community leaders warning that fraudsters may be exploiting people desperate for mobility assistance.

Residents are being urged to exercise caution following the circulation of a social media post claiming that people in need of wheelchairs can obtain one free of charge by contacting a listed number through an online link.

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However, community leaders have warned that the number appears to be inactive and that the link redirects users to payment platforms, raising concerns that it may be part of a scam.

Community leader Rajesh Ramnunan said he received several messages encouraging him to use the link to obtain free wheelchairs, but became suspicious when he discovered that the number provided was not in service.

I forwarded a warning message informing community members that the group using the link claims to provide free wheelchairs through donations and a mysterious programme.

“They collect information under the guise of helping you and ask the person to cover shipping costs through payment sites and other cash apps.

“Once payment is sent, they block you and no wheelchair ever arrives,” said Ramnunan.

He urged residents not to engage with the link or provide any personal information.

“I am urging all residents not to use this link as it is a scam.

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“The community is vulnerable during this time and posing under the pretence of assisting people with wheelchairs is a great concern, as there are many vulnerable residents who may fall prey to this scam,” said Ramnunan.

Shanaaz Bux, of the non-profit organisation Rufaida Can, said the high cost of wheelchairs often makes them difficult to obtain, particularly for people without sponsorship, leaving vulnerable residents exposed to exploitation.

We receive requests for wheelchairs daily and a person can only get one easily if they are sponsored because wheelchairs are expensive. A wheelchair can range from R1 500 to R2 400, depending on the features available.

“As an organisation, we had to start charging a hiring fee because previously wheelchairs were not returned or were damaged.

“It is very heartbreaking that residents who are in need are being scammed for a wheelchair.

“There are residents who rely solely on a grant or pension and if they lose that money to a scam, how do they recover it?” questioned Bux.

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uMgungundlovu District SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Sifiso Gwala cautioned the public to remain vigilant when accessing links shared online.

We have released several warnings to the community to be aware when purchasing online or accessing links on different websites.

“We are urging our community not to use links that they have not used before or that appear suspicious,” said Gwala.