CyberSense - Online Shopping Scams
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🛍️ CYBER SENSE ALERT: How to Spot Online Shopping Scams in South Africa
Fake stores and fraudulent sellers are everywhere. Here's how to protect your money.
Your Safe Shopper Checklist:
VERIFY THE SELLER.
How old is their Facebook page or profile?
Do reviews look real or are they all posted on the same day?
For Bob Shop, Takealot, etc.—check seller ratings and history.
PAY SAFELY—NO EXCUSES.
DO NOT pay by direct EFT or eWallet to unknown sellers.
DO use PayFast, SnapScan, or a credit card with buyer protection.
If a seller says "PayFast is down, just send via EFT"—walk away.
IGNORE FALSE URGENCY.
"50% off! Last chance!" is a pressure tactic.
Legitimate deals will still be there tomorrow.
Take time to research before you pay.
DON'T PAY FOR "FREE" ITEMS.
"Free couch—just pay delivery fee" is a common scam.
Free means free. If there's a fee, it's not free.
TRUST YOUR GUT.
Too good to be true? It is.
Seller rushing you? Red flag.
No physical address? Walk away.
If You Get Scammed:
Call your bank immediately.
Report to the platform (Facebook, Bob Shop, etc.).
Open a case at SAPS.
Warn your community—share the scam details.
Bottom Line: In South Africa, online shopping is safe when you verify first and pay safely.
Stay safe out there!
- Declan Hardie, Impact 103
Fake stores and fraudulent sellers are everywhere. Here's how to protect your money.
Your Safe Shopper Checklist:
VERIFY THE SELLER.
How old is their Facebook page or profile?
Do reviews look real or are they all posted on the same day?
For Bob Shop, Takealot, etc.—check seller ratings and history.
PAY SAFELY—NO EXCUSES.
DO NOT pay by direct EFT or eWallet to unknown sellers.
DO use PayFast, SnapScan, or a credit card with buyer protection.
If a seller says "PayFast is down, just send via EFT"—walk away.
IGNORE FALSE URGENCY.
"50% off! Last chance!" is a pressure tactic.
Legitimate deals will still be there tomorrow.
Take time to research before you pay.
DON'T PAY FOR "FREE" ITEMS.
"Free couch—just pay delivery fee" is a common scam.
Free means free. If there's a fee, it's not free.
TRUST YOUR GUT.
Too good to be true? It is.
Seller rushing you? Red flag.
No physical address? Walk away.
If You Get Scammed:
Call your bank immediately.
Report to the platform (Facebook, Bob Shop, etc.).
Open a case at SAPS.
Warn your community—share the scam details.
Bottom Line: In South Africa, online shopping is safe when you verify first and pay safely.
Stay safe out there!
- Declan Hardie, Impact 103
