Online commerce has grown exponentially in South Africa over the past several years, with a growing population logging onto e-tailing websites, online classifieds and other sites to buy or sell goods.<\/p>\n
And while this sector continues to foster job creation and new opportunities, it has a dark side \u2013 criminals are taking advantage of the anonymity of the web to run a number of scams.<\/p>\n
Whilst many scams are easy to spot, some of extremely sophisticated, said Claire Cobbledick, head of marketing, Gumtree South Africa.<\/p>\n
\u201cScammers will go as far as to create fake online profiles and a believable digital footprint to fool unsuspecting victims.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat doesn\u2019t mean that there aren\u2019t means of catching them at it before you get duped, however,\u201d the Gumtree lead said.<\/p>\n
Gumtree lists a number of common online scams:<\/p>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The company representative scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n Although there are many reputable dealerships and businesses that use online classifieds to sell their goods and services, users should be aware of how businesses they deal with operate and flag any suspicious activity.<\/p>\n \u201cFor example, if you receive an email from a @gumtree.co.za address offering to sell you goods, particularly vehicles, that should raise an immediate red flag,\u201d said Cobbledick.<\/p>\n \u201cGumtree will only contact you in regards to ads you have posted, tickets you may have raised or a promotion you may have entered \u2013 we facilitate sales but we certainly don\u2019t have warehouses of goods for sale.\u201d<\/p>\n Even if the person sending the email address provides you with a telephone number, you should double-check to see if it matches the one on the site. \u201cWhen in doubt, contact our customer service department \u2013 they are available 24\/7 to answer queries.\u201d<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rental schemes<\/strong><\/p>\n There have also been instances where properties were advertised for rent, usually at quite low rates, only for hopeful tenants to find out that the property did not belong to the advertiser.<\/p>\n \u201cNever hand over money without signing a lease,\u201d said Cobbledick. \u201cIf the person advertising the property won\u2019t allow you to see the premises before renting it, chances are it\u2019s a scam. I\u2019ve heard of landlords claiming that they were \u2018traveling overseas\u2019 but that the potential tenant should feel free to walk around the property and take a peek through the windows \u2013 that is definitely a warning sign.\u201d<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Goods that are too good to be true<\/strong><\/p>\n Although there are numerous bargains to be found, ads that are too good to be true usually are, said Cobbledick. \u201cIf the latest iPhone hasn\u2019t been released in the States yet, chances are you won\u2019t find it at a bargain price online,\u201d the marketing lead said.<\/p>\n \u201cSimilarly if high-value items (such as tablets, smart phones, cameras, etc) are being sold for a fraction of their value, there is a good chance that the product is either broken or being posted fraudulently. The same is true for job postings offering huge salaries to individuals with little or no experience.\u201d<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 It\u2019s complicated…<\/strong><\/p>\n Other scammers offer goods for sale, but include several conditions before an item can be released.<\/p>\n \u201cThey will request that a deposit is paid, or have numerous reasons why the item can\u2019t be collected in person or via a courier,\u201d said Cobbledick.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough many items with a lower relative value is commonly shipped between the seller and the buyer, you should always request whether or not the item can be viewed before money exchanges hands \u2013 even if it\u2019s by a representative. If someone refuses to supply you with items such a certified proof of banking letter or a lease, you should view that with suspicion.\u201d<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cheque deposit\/False payment scam<\/strong><\/p>\n Some scammers will pay an amount into a seller\u2019s account via cheque \u2013 the amount will reflect as \u201cyet to clear\u201d in their bank account, and when the seller hands over the goods, they simply cancel the transaction.<\/p>\n \u201cCheck with your bank to see whether or not you were paid via EFT or cheque,\u201d warned Cobbledick. \u201cIf someone does chose to pay via cheque, do not hand over the goods until it clears. Similarly, some scammers will send hoax payment confirmations via SMS that appears to be from your bank. Always verify payment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe only way to curb online crime is for users to flag these fraudulent posts and to report any instance where they may have been the victim of a scammer,\u201d said Cobbledick. \u201cWe work closely with law enforcement and each and every case reported is treated as a matter of urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n The cost of cyber-crime in South Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on South Africa<\/h3>\n