Marketplace Scams in Potchefstroom: What’s Happening?
- Karen Scheepers
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Authorities in North West Province, including Potchefstroom, have issued repeated warnings about increasing incidents of online fraud and 'scammy' vehicle or rental listings. The South African Police Service reports cases where below-market‑price vehicle listings were used to lure deposit payments before the scammer vanished, often after sending fake documentation to appear legitimate.
In particular, there are two prevalent local scam formats:
Fraudulent vehicle listings: Scammers post pictures of attractive vehicles at significantly lower prices than market value. Interested buyers are told the car needs to be reserved via deposit or risk losing the deal. Once paid, the seller either disappears or shares counterfeit paperwork while never delivering the car .
Fake rental/property listings: Scammers create fake rentals on Facebook or classifieds, often copying legitimate property images. They collect deposits and then vanish, leaving tenants without a property and with lost money.
Common Scam Tactics & Red Flags
Although scams may vary, most follow familiar patterns. Understanding them helps you spot trouble early:
1. “Too good to be true” pricing
Ultra‑low prices can be bait. Scammers aim to entice buyers with deals far below market value, often for high-demand goods like smartphones, vehicles, or designer items.
2. Requests for deposits on high‑value items
A common vehicle or rental trick: demand for upfront payment or deposit before items or keys are exchanged. Legitimate sellers rarely insist on deposit before an inspection or viewing.
3. Refusal to meet in person or show the item
Scammers often avoid meeting face-to-face or showing items in person, citing excuses like immediate shipment, urgency, or remote location, particularly with rentals or vehicles.
4. Unusual payment methods
Requests to pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or obscure wire transfers are red flags. These are untraceable and preferred by scammers. Secure methods, cash on delivery, reputable escrow services, are safer.
5. Fake proof of payment or overpayment schemes
Buyers may “accidentally” overpay and ask for a refund, or send screenshots of transfer confirmations that turn out to be fake. Sellers lose both item and refunded money when the payment is reversed later.
6. Pressure tactics and manufactured urgency
Statements like “someone else is interested, must pay immediately” or “offer valid only today” are classic tricks to push you into hasty decisions without due diligence.
7. Poor grammar, suspicious profiles
Seller accounts with no prior listings, few friends, inconsistent grammar, or that ask to take the conversation off-platform, in email or WhatsApp, should raise alarms.
How to Protect Yourself in Potchefstroom
✅ Double‑check suspiciously low listings
Research market prices first. If a listing feels too cheap, especially for cars, apartments, or electronics, treat it cautiously. Ask for comparative listings and check market data before engaging.
✅ Insist on seeing the item in person
Always inspect items before paying, especially for high-value goods. Never pay or deposit for a view-only photoshoot offer. Viewing in person reduces risk significantly.
✅ Do not send deposits unless you’ve verified legitimacy
For high‑value items such as cars or rental properties, do not send any deposit until you’ve seen the item, signed paperwork, or independently verified ownership. If in doubt, negotiate payment upon inspection.
✅ Use secure, traceable payment methods
Avoid gift cards, crypto, or cash transfers. Use cash in person, well-known bank transfers, or trusted escrow services such as Paysho in South Africa. Such platforms hold funds until both parties are satisfied.
✅ Keep communication on-platform
Converse via Facebook Messenger or official classified platforms. This preserves traceability. Scammers often demand moving conversations to WhatsApp or email to avoid platform safety tools.
✅ Secure your online accounts
Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) on your Facebook or Gmail accounts. Many scammers access legitimate user accounts to list fake items, making them appear real.
✅ Check profiles and previous activity
Inspect the seller’s marketplace history, ratings, friends, and reviews. A profile with limited activity or multiple identical listings in different locations is suspicious.
✅ Avoid sharing personal details or OTP codes
Never share your bank PIN, One-Time PIN (OTP), password, or ID number with sellers or “customer support.” Banks will never request such information over the phone or WhatsApp.
✅ Report suspicious activity
If you encounter a scam, report it to:
The online platform (e.g. Marketplace, Gumtree)
Your bank (fraud line)
South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) or ScamAdviser. This helps reduce future scams and protects others.
Final Thought
Marketplace scams are on the rise in Potchefstroom and the broader North West region. Whether you're buying a car, renting an apartment, or hunting for bargains online, the threat of losing money and personal information to fraudsters is real. But with informed caution and smart practices, such as verifying listings, meeting in person, using secure payment methods, and trusting your instincts, you can significantly reduce your risk.
Remember: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stay savvy, stay alert, and help keep Potchefstroom safe by raising awareness and reporting suspicious activity. Safe shopping!
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