You can return ANY item you buy online within 7 days. You do not need a reason. You must return it unused and in original packaging. You pay the shipping cost to return it. The shop must refund you within 15 business days.

1. Direct Marketing Cooling-Off (5 days): If someone phones, emails, or messages you to sell something, you have 5 days to return it after receiving it.

2. Goods Not Seen Before Purchase: If you could not examine the item before buying it, you can return it on delivery if it is not what you expected.

3. Goods Don’t Meet Purpose (10 days): If you told the seller you needed the item for a specific purpose and they said it would work, but it does not, you have 10 days to return it.

4. Defective Goods (6 months): If goods are faulty or break, you have 6 months to return them for a refund, repair, or replacement.

1. Credit Cards with 3D Secure

Credit cards offer the best protection. If something goes wrong, your bank can reverse the payment. 3D Secure adds extra verification with an OTP (one-time password).

Protection level: Excellent – can dispute fraudulent charges

2. Secure Payment Gateways

These companies process your payment safely. They never share your card details with the shop.

• PayFast: Most popular, R1.50 + 2.9% fee, supports many payment types
• Ozow: Instant bank-to-bank transfers, 1.5-2.5% fee, irrevocable payments
• Peach Payments: Best fraud protection, uses machine learning
• PayGate: Very reliable, 2.5% fee for most transactions
• Yoco: Good for card payments, trusted brand

3. Digital Wallets

Mobile payment apps add security by not sharing your card details.

• SnapScan: Scan QR code to pay securely
• Zapper: Similar to SnapScan, widely accepted
• Capitec Pay: Bank’s own digital wallet

4. Virtual Cards

Create a temporary card number just for online shopping. Even if someone steals it, your main card is safe. Most major banks offer this service.

Debit Cards (Use with Caution)

Money comes straight from your bank account. If something goes wrong, it is harder to get your money back. Use a virtual card or credit card instead.

Direct Bank Transfers / EFT (High Risk)

Once you transfer money, you cannot get it back. Only use this for shops you completely trust. Scammers love this payment method because it cannot be reversed.

1. AI-Cloned Fake Websites

How it works: Scammers use AI to create perfect copies of real websites. The fake site looks exactly like Takealot or Superbalist. You buy something, send money, but never receive your goods.

Warning signs:

• Website address has small changes (takealoot.co.za instead of takealot.co.za)
• Deals that seem too good to be true (iPhone 15 for R2000)
• No contact details or physical address
• Website asks for direct bank transfer only

2. Deepfake Voice Scams

How it works: Scammers copy someone’s voice from social media videos. They call you pretending to be your child or partner. They claim there is an emergency and need money urgently.

How to protect yourself:

• If someone calls asking for urgent money, hang up
• Call the person back on their normal number
• Create a “safe word” with family that proves it is really them
• Never send money based on one phone call

3. Personalized Phishing Messages

How it works: You get an SMS saying “Hi [Your Name], there is a problem with the [Product You Just Bought] from [Retailer] scheduled for delivery to [Your Suburb].” The message includes real details to trick you.

What to do:

• Never click links in SMS or email messages
• Open your browser and go directly to the retailer’s website
• Log into your account to check order status
• Call the retailer using the number on their official website

4. Fake Proof of Payment

How it works: On Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp, someone wants to buy your item. They send a screenshot showing they paid. But they never actually paid. They collect the item or ask you to ship it.

How to avoid this:

• Check your actual bank account to confirm payment received
• Wait for payment to clear before giving the item
• Use escrow services like Paysho for private sales
• Never trust screenshots – they are easy to fake

5. Social Media Marketplace Scams

How it works: Fake sellers advertise amazing products on Facebook or Instagram. The post looks professional. You pay, but receive nothing or get a fake item.

Red flags to watch for:

• Seller has a new account with few followers
• No reviews or all reviews are very recent
• Seller insists on WhatsApp communication only
• Asks for payment to personal bank account
• Uses stock photos from Google

6. Fake Investment Platforms

The reality: The R8 billion Mirror Trading International scam hurt thousands of South Africans. In 2025, scammers create fake apps that claim to invest your money in crypto or the JSE.

Remember: If someone promises guaranteed high returns, it is a scam. Real investments have risks. Check the FSCA website to verify any investment company.

🚨 CRITICAL SAFETY RULES 🚨

• NO legitimate business requires upfront EFT payments
• If a deal seems too good to be true, it is a scam
• Never share your OTP or PIN with anyone – not even “bank staff”
• Your bank will NEVER call asking for passwords or PINs
• Do not click on links in unexpected messages

1. Website Address (URL)

• Real: https://www.takealot.co.za
• Fake: https://www.takealoot.co.za (extra “o”)
• Fake: https://takealot-deals.co.za (added words)
• Fake: https://www.takealot.com.za (wrong extension)

2. Look for “https://” and Padlock Symbol

The address bar must show https:// (not just http://). You should see a closed padlock symbol. But warning: scammers can also get this, so check other signs too.

3. Contact Information

Real shops show physical address, phone number, email. Fake websites often have no contact details or only WhatsApp.

4. Payment Methods Offered

Real shops offer credit cards and secure payment gateways. If a website only accepts EFT or direct bank transfer, it is probably a scam.

5. Prices Too Good to Be True

If the price is much lower than everywhere else, be suspicious. Scammers attract you with amazing deals that do not exist.

6. Check Reviews

Search “company name + scam” on Google. Check HelloPeter for reviews. Look at the Facebook page – real companies have old posts and genuine customer interactions.

7. Use YIMA Website Scanner

Visit www.yima.org.za to scan any website for known scams and vulnerabilities. This free tool checks if the website has been reported as dangerous.

⚠️ If in doubt, do not buy! Rather shop at well-known retailers you trust.

• Update your phone and computer software
• Install antivirus software on your devices
• Use strong, unique passwords for each shop
• Enable two-factor authentication on your bank app
• Set up transaction alerts on your bank account

• Only shop on trusted websites you know
• Check the website address carefully for spelling
• Look for https:// and the padlock symbol
• Never shop on public Wi-Fi (coffee shops, malls)
• Use your own mobile data or home Wi-Fi
• Pay with credit card or secure payment gateway
• Never send money via EFT to strangers
• Save or screenshot your order confirmation

• Check your bank statement within 24 hours
• Keep all email confirmations and receipts
• Track your delivery using the shop’s website
• Inspect items when they arrive
• Report anything suspicious immediately

• Never share your OTP (one-time password) with anyone
• Never save payment cards on unknown websites
• Never click links in SMS or emails from shops
• Never shop on public Wi-Fi networks
• Never give your banking PIN to anyone
• Never send money to “confirm” an order
• Never trust deals that seem too cheap

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately

Call your bank’s fraud line right away. They might be able to stop the payment. Ask them to block your card if necessary.

2. Report to South African Police Service (SAPS)

Open a case at your nearest police station. Get a case number. You need this for insurance and bank claims.

3. Report to SABRIC

Contact the South African Banking Risk Information Centre. They track scams and can alert other people.

4. Change Your Passwords

If you entered any passwords on a fake website, change them immediately. Use different passwords for each account.

If you paid with a credit card, you can dispute the charge with your bank. You have 120 days from the transaction date to file a dispute.

What you need:

• Original order confirmation or invoice
• Screenshots of website or communications
• Proof that item was not delivered or was fake
• Police case number
• Any correspondence with the seller

Your bank will investigate and may refund you while they investigate. Keep all documents safe.

If you sent money via EFT or direct bank transfer, it is very difficult to get it back. Banks cannot reverse EFT payments. This is why scammers prefer this payment method.

Still report it! Even though recovery is unlikely, reporting helps police track scammers and warn others.