The "Too Good To Be True" Trap: The Rise of Online Purchase Fraud
- Karen Scheepers
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
The dream of finding a bargain, whether it’s a VW Polo for R45,000 or a cheap rental, is increasingly being used against us. From December 2025 into January 2026, there has been a sharp spike in sophisticated scams on Facebook Marketplace and social media, leaving many South Africans with empty bank accounts and no recourse.
The Mechanics of the Scam
The scam usually follows a predictable, high-pressure pattern:
The Bait: A high-value item (often a vehicle or electronic) is listed at a price far below market value to lure in bargain hunters.
The Pressure: The seller claims they are being flooded with offers. They demand a holding deposit or a delivery fee via Instant EFT or a banking app to "secure" the item.
The Vanishing Act: Once the Rands hit the account, the seller blocks the buyer. The profile, often a hijacked account with a stolen identity, disappears overnight.
The "Money Mule" Network
Recent investigations into these fraud cases have revealed a dark truth about where your money goes. When the bank or SAPS traces the transfer, it often leads to an account held by an ordinary member of the public.
These individuals are known as "Money Mules." Some are complicit, while others are "recruited" through fake job ads to receive money and transfer it elsewhere for a small commission. By the time you report the fraud, the money has been moved through five different accounts and withdrawn as cash, making it nearly impossible to recover.
Red Flags to Watch For
The Price is Wrong: If a car usually worth R150,000 is listed for R60,000, it is a scam.
Urgency & Emotion: Scammers use stories of "moving overseas" or "family emergencies" to explain the low price and the need for a quick deposit.
No Inspection: They will make excuses as to why you cannot see the car or item in person before paying.
Payment via E-Wallet/Instant EFT: They insist on non-reversible payment methods rather than meeting at a bank or safe public space.
Protect Your Hard-Earned Money
As we navigate 2026, the best defense is a healthy dose of skepticism. Never pay a cent for a vehicle, a rental deposit, or a product until you have physically seen it, verified the papers, and met the seller in a safe, public location (like a police station). If the seller refuses to meet, walk away immediately. Your safety and your Rands are worth more than a "deal" that doesn't exist.
🛡️ 📉 🚫
Comments