Property.co.za

I identified a house that I was interested in purchasing a month or so back (Lucca Estate, Midrand). I contacted the agent (Thandiwe), went to view the property and was pleased with it. The agent then came to my place of work to get me to sign the offer to purchase to assist me with getting a home loan. I gave them all my personal information and all documentation that she requested. A few days later I was informed that my application was unsuccessful due to affordability. I understood and decided I would keep pushing my debt it improve this and try again next year. A few days after I got a call from the agent (Thandiwe) saying that there is a gentleman by the name of Andy Mhangwane from SA Home Loans who will assist me with a home loan as a last attempt. I then received a call from this person. He advised he works for SA Home loans and he was referred to me by Thandiwe. I didn’t have a reason not to trust this person as he was referred and was referred to me by a reputable agent with whom I was dealing with. He advised he will assist me as best he can for me to get a home loan. I asked if he needs anything from me, he said no, Thandiwe has sent all the info he needs. He then said he will get back to me in a few days. Indeed, he contacted me a few days later saying that the application is not going through due to my affordability. I noted this and advised it’s okay I will try again next year once I have paid off some things. He advised he can assist improve my credit score, but it will cost an amount of R2600. I asked if this is above board and or legal, he confirmed that it is, so I really didn’t think it was anything sinister and thought it was common practice. I sent the guy the money, to a Capitec bank account. He confirmed receipt then said that he will get back to me in two days. I waited and heard nothing from him. I called him to get an update, that was when he started not answering his phone. I texted and called and texted and called no response. I went back to the agent, told them the story and asked them which branch this person work from. They said they were not sure and they gave me all the SA home loan branch numbers. I called each branch and they all confirmed that there is no one by that name that works at any of those branches. I went back to the agent and told them they need to find this person, so I can get my money back. They keep saying there is nothing they can do when they are the people that made the link between me and this *******. To date they cannot give me this persons whereabouts, the person they referred to me and gave all of my information to meaning that the agent Thandiwe is also in on the **** and they share the money.