South Africa: How to Report Online Shopping Fraud
Fake seller, an order that never arrived, a refund that was refused, or a call from a fake “customer care” number? Here is how to report it to the shopping platforms people use in South Africa, and where to go if the platform won’t help.
Do this first
- Never call a “customer care” number from Google, social media or a message. Many shopping platforms have no phone line at all, and those numbers belong to scammers.
- Report the problem inside the official app or website of the platform you used (details below).
- If you paid by card, bank transfer or a payment app, call your bank’s fraud line straight away: see bank fraud lines in South Africa.
- Report the crime to the police: see who handles cybercrime in South Africa.
Shopping platforms in South Africa
Gumtree South Africa in South Africa
gumtree.co.zaReport a problem or scam: Flag the listing. If you paid by EFT or cash, contact your bank right away and open a case with SAPS.
Report a seller or listing: Use the Flag button on the listing, or report the user through the Gumtree Helpdesk.
Gumtree Pay Online: Gumtree has no general buyer guarantee. If you paid with Gumtree Pay Online, contact Gumtree support straight away. For EFT or cash deals, contact your bank and open a case with SAPS.
Fake Gumtree South Africa messages or sites: Fake WhatsApps say a 'payment was received via Gumtree shipping or FedEx' and ask sellers for card details. Do not click the links; delete the message and contact the Gumtree Helpdesk.
Takealot in South Africa
takealot.com- Customer support:087 362 8000
Report a problem or scam: Contact support through the Help Centre or by phone. If someone got into your account, tell Takealot at once, change your password and block your cards.
Report a seller or listing: The seller's name appears on the product page as 'sold by'. Report concerns through the Help Centre or the support number.
Takealot Returns Policy: Return an item that is wrong, damaged in delivery, missing parts or no longer wanted, unused and in its original packaging. Faulty items can be returned for longer. Claim 30 days from delivery (6 months for faulty items).
- Tell Takealot immediately if anyone gets into your account without permission.
Also used in South Africa
Cross-border shopping apps with one worldwide help centre:
If the platform won’t help
National Consumer Commission (NCC)
Lodge a complaint about a business under the Consumer Protection Act.
Phone: 012 065 1940
Official websiteConsumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO)
Free ombud for disputes with retailers and suppliers.
Only covers businesses that are members of its industry code.
Phone: 0860 000 272
Official websiteEvery contact here was read on the platform’s or regulator’s own website. If something has changed, tell us. See all countries and platforms in E-commerce Fraud Help.