Scam Alerts
Protect yourself when buying and selling online.
If you've been scammed
Report to SAPS and file a report on VerifyMzansi. Keep all evidence.
Advance Payment Scams
Never pay upfront deposits before inspecting goods in person.
- Pay only on delivery after inspecting the item
- Never transfer money to strangers via EFT or e-wallet
- Use Ozow or secure payment methods
Fake Account Profiles
Look for the VerifyMzansi trust badge. Unverified profiles may use stolen photos.
- Check the account's verification status
- Reverse-search profile photos
- Ask questions only a real owner would know
Location Bait
People who keep making excuses not to meet may be running a scam.
- Insist on meeting face-to-face in public
- Use our Meeting Safety Checklist
- Be wary of people who refuse video calls
Too Good To Be True
Unusually low prices on phones, cars, or electronics are a classic red flag.
- Compare prices across multiple listings
- Be suspicious of prices 50%+ below market value
- Check how long the account has been on the platform
Off-Platform Communication
Scammers often ask to move to WhatsApp or Telegram to avoid platform protections.
- Keep communication on VerifyMzansi
- Report accounts insisting on off-platform deals — use our contact form
- Screenshot conversations as evidence
Golden Rules
- Always deal with verified accounts, businesses, or advertisers (green shield)
- Never pay before inspecting the item
- Meet in public, well-lit places
- Tell someone where you're going
- Trust your gut — walk away if unsure
- Report suspicious listings immediately — report here