Don't Fall Prey to Scammers

Eight Safety Tips To Keep In Mind When Dealing With Online Classifieds

Whether you are buying or selling a product via online classifieds on thinklocal.co.za, you will most likely not know the person with whom you are transacting. Take the following precautions to protect your safety.

1. Maintain your privacy

Apart from your phone number and/or email address, never give out other information such as your bank account or identity numbers.

2. Don’t be rushed

If someone really wants to do business with you, they will wait until you are ready to make a legitimate transaction. Furthermore, if an individual wishes to make changes to the terms of the deal, such as where and how the payment is made, do not let your eagerness to complete the transaction blind you to potential problems.

3. Always continue the deal on the Phone

You will probably have initial contact via email, but always follow this up with a phone call. If the other party refuses to chat over the phone, then they are probably trying to scam you.

4. Deal locally

Avoid long distance or overseas transactions. Avoid deals involving postage or shipping, especially if the other party promises to pay for them. 

5. Meet in a public place

Meet in a place where there is high foot traffic such as a shopping mall. Tell others where you are going, who you will be meeting and when you expect to return. Ask a friend, family member or co-worker to join you. If the situation seems suspicious or potentially dangerous, move to a safe location as quickly as possible. Never do any deal in a car or parking lot.

6. Cash is king

Never transfer money, send advance payments or use your credit card. Don’t accept cheques and avoid any deals done through the mail. Never send money to a P.O. Box. This is a notorious method for running scams.

If you accept an EFT as payment, ensure that the money has cleared in your account before handing over goods. A proof of payment will not suffice as it can easily be faked.

7. Go with your gut instinct

Always be wary of someone who wants to pay more than your asking price or who wants to sell you an item at an unbelievably low price. A deal that sounds too good to be true probably is.

8. report suspicious activity

If feel that you are about to be scammed, then please let us know immediately. 

Email: scamalert@thinklocal.co.za 

or call 0860 111 725.