Online shopping, marketplace and courier scams in South Africa
23 October 2026 · Omnitrace
Problem: the phone is half price on Marketplace, the courier wants a "delivery fee", the buyer offers extra for your couch. Agitate: you pay a deposit and the seller vanishes, or you hand over goods for a fake proof of payment, or a courier link steals your card. Solution: a few rules keep online buying and selling safe.
Scams to watch for
- Fake sellers: prices far below market and pressure to pay a deposit first.
- Fake proof of payment: a screenshot or fake bank SMS, and a buyer who wants the goods now.
- Overpayment: the buyer "accidentally" pays too much and asks for a refund of the difference.
- Fake courier SMSes: "Pay a small fee to reschedule your delivery."
- Fake online stores: slick sites, huge discounts, EFT only, and no physical address.
Stay safe
- Meet in a public place, ideally at a police station "safe zone", and inspect before paying.
- Sellers: wait until the money shows as cleared in your own banking app. Ignore screenshots and SMSes.
- Never pay a deposit to a stranger by EFT or instant money.
- Only track parcels on the courier's official site, using your own tracking number.
- Shop on stores with clear contact details, returns policies and secure card payment.
Remember: if the price is unbelievable, believe that it's a scam.
Running a business? Omnitrace helps you verify every client's identity before you sign, lend or hire. Request a service or call 065 375 6188.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice.
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