South Africans are increasingly buying, selling, renting, and trading online—but unfortunately, so are scammers. Every day, thousands of honest people fall victim to digital fraud, losing hard-earned money to sophisticated traps on Facebook, WhatsApp, online classifieds, and more.
At Paysho, we’re not just here to protect your transactions—we’re here to empower you with knowledge. Below, we break down the 5 most common scams happening right now—with tips on how to spot them, and how Paysho helps you stay safe.
1. “I’m Selling This Item—But Pay First, Fast”
?Where it happens: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, WhatsApp
?Red flags:
- The seller insists on full payment upfront
- Price seems too good to be true
- They refuse to meet in person
- They say: “Hurry, someone else is interested!”
? Example:
Ad for a “brand new iPhone 14 Pro” listed at R5,000—half the market value—with limited contact info and poor grammar.
? Paysho’s Protection:
With Paysho Escrow, the buyer pays Paysho, not the seller. Paysho holds the money until the item is delivered and verified—then releases the funds.
Result: No product = no payment.
2. Fake Rental Listings (aka “The Deposit Vanishes” Scam)
?Where it happens: Facebook groups, classifieds, fake property websites
?Red flags:
- The landlord can’t show you the place but demands deposit
- “Urgent” requests for EFTs
- No paperwork or vague lease terms
? Example:
WhatsApp message: “Hi, if you don’t pay today, I’ll give the room to someone else. Send R6,500 and I’ll keep it for you.”
? Paysho’s Protection:
Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, Paysho holds the deposit safely until key handover or confirmation of the lease.
No need to trust a stranger—trust the platform.
3. Job Offer or Business Opportunity Scam
?Where it happens: Email, Telegram, Facebook inbox
?Red flags:
- “Admin” or “typing” jobs that require upfront payment
- They promise huge returns or high pay for little work
- No website, no contract, no verified profiles
? Example:
“Earn R25,000/month working from home. Register with a once-off payment of R250.”
? Paysho’s Protection:
When used for freelancer or contractor agreements, Paysho protects both sides—ensuring money only moves when milestones are achieved.
No delivery of work? No release of funds. No need for blind trust.
4. Stolen Identity or Impersonation Scams
?Where it happens: Facebook buy/sell groups, WhatsApp, even OLX clones
?Red flags:
- A seller uses someone else’s ID or business name
- The scammer claims to be “someone reputable”
- Pressures you to “send money first” for security
? Example:
A user says, “My cousin used this guy for furniture and he’s legit.” The profile looks real—but it’s a clone.
? Paysho’s Protection:
Escrow removes the need to verify identities on your own. You don’t have to rely on screenshots, referrals, or fake names—Paysho creates a secure, trackable process with both sides accountable.
5. “I’ll Pay Later” Buyer Scam (For Sellers)
?Where it happens: Facebook groups, WhatsApp sales, Instagram DMs
?Red flags:
- Buyer offers proof of payment but delays collection
- EFT “takes days to reflect” excuse
- Screenshot of a fake payment
? Example:
Fake Standard Bank notification saying R3,000 was “successfully sent” but with no real transfer made.
? Paysho’s Protection:
As a seller, you only ship or release goods after Paysho confirms the buyer has paid into escrow.
No risk. No fake slips. No unpaid collections.
? Final Thoughts: Trust is the New Currency
Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or offering services, online scams are evolving—but so are the solutions.
With Paysho, you don’t need to wonder who to trust.
The platform becomes your neutral, secure middleman—so your money is protected, your goods are delivered, and your peace of mind stays intact.
✅ Let’s Stop Scams, Together
Every time someone chooses Paysho, we make it harder for scammers to succeed.
? Be part of the solution.
? Sign up today at www.paysho.co.za
