How the scam works
What happens
A fake seller advertises a vehicle, appliance, phone, rental, or other high-demand item below market price. The seller demands a deposit to reserve it and disappears after payment.
Example scenario
A seller offers a nearly new phone for half price but says several buyers are waiting and a R1 000 deposit is required.Example wording is illustrative and may differ from real scam messages.
Warning signs
Red flags to look for
01
Price is far below market value
02
Seller refuses an in-person inspection
03
Immediate deposit required
04
Stock photographs or copied listing text
Safer response
What to do next
01
Inspect the item and seller identity
02
Use platform payment protections
03
Reverse-image-search listing photos
04
Avoid deposits to unverified private accounts