CRIME IS EVERYWHERE!
Unfortunately Classifieds fraud and scams are extremely common on websites
Never pay before seeing an item – meet in a public place
watch out for fake ‘proof of payment’ or ‘too good to be true’ prices and goods
Common Classifieds Scams
- Fake Proof of Payment: Buyers send a fake SMS or bank notification showing payment before collecting goods
- Vehicle and Deposit Traps: Sellers ask for a holding deposit on a car before you even view it
- Overpayment Fraud: Buyers “accidentally” pay too much via EFT and ask the seller to refund the extra cash
- Pet and Freebie Cons: Pets are offered for free, but you are repeatedly asked to pay unexpected transport or medical fees
Essential Safety Tips
- Inspect Before You Pay: Never transfer money or hand over cash until you have physically examined the item
- Meet Publicly: Choose a busy, well-lit public area for exchanges. Many South African police stations offer safe zones for online marketplace trades
- Verify the Money: If accepting an EFT, wait for the funds to officially reflect in your bank account, not just an SMS notification
- Inspect Profiles: Check how long the buyer or seller’s social media account has been active. Brand-new profiles are high risk