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)