Warning for online shopping lovers in South Africa

Online shoppers in South Africa are being urged to remain vigilant as fraudulent activity escalates across the country, particularly regarding online orders.
With the online shopping boom in 2024, including on platforms like Temu and Shein, criminals have found new opportunities to exploit unsuspecting consumers.
This is unsurprising considering, for example, Temu sells products at prices that South African retailers cannot match.
It includes its popular coupon discount and free shipping services.
Most of the product prices range from R10 to R300, with some more expensive products, such as inverters and batteries, crossing the R1,000 mark.
It accompanied its launch with an aggressive online market campaign that has been showing good results.
The “Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire” app was the most downloaded app in South Africa among Android users in 2024.
Considering this growth, along with many other online retail platforms, one increasingly common tactic is the “customs duty scam,” which preys on shoppers expecting international deliveries.
Digital fraud in South Africa has reached worrying levels. TransUnion data from the first half of 2024 reveals that nearly 5% of all attempted digital transactions originating in the country were suspected to be fraudulent.
Moreover, a recent survey highlighted that six in 10 South Africans had been targeted by scams, with the telecommunications, financial, and online shopping sectors being prime targets.
The customs duty scam leverages the trust consumers place in courier services. Shoppers often receive legitimate notifications from courier companies requiring them to pay customs duties before their parcels are delivered.
However, criminals have mimicked this process, sending fake messages that request small sums of money, such as R20 or R30.
According to Garry Marshall, CEO of the South African Express Parcel Association, these low amounts are strategic. “They think nobody is really going to worry if it is only R20 or R30,” Marshall explained, noting that this approach helps scammers “fly under the radar.”
What makes this scam particularly concerning is its increasing sophistication.
While these fraudulent messages were once generic and sent to large numbers of recipients indiscriminately, they now appear to be tied to actual purchases.
Marshall suggests this indicates potential information leaks within the supply chain, as personal details could be compromised at various points during the order and delivery process.
With platforms like Temu and Shein gaining immense popularity among South African consumers for their affordable and trendy products, the risk of falling victim to these scams has grown.
These platforms often involve international shipping, making them attractive targets for scammers exploiting customs duty payments as a front for fraud.
Marshall advises consumers to approach any requests for money with caution, even if they appear legitimate. “Do not trust any demands for money,” he warned.
He also emphasised the importance of avoiding links sent via email or text.
Instead, customers should visit the official website where their order was placed and follow the proper procedures for payment or tracking.
This surge in fraudulent activity is a stark reminder for South Africans to exercise greater scrutiny and scepticism in their online shopping habits.
While the convenience of digital platforms has revolutionised the retail experience, it has also opened new avenues for criminal activity. By staying informed and vigilant, consumers can help protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.