The Convenience Comes at a Cost
Facebook Marketplace, Instagram pages, and WhatsApp groups have made it easier than ever to buy and sell everything from couches to phones, clothing to cars. But with the rise in convenience comes a rise in scams—costing South Africans millions of rands each year.
At Paysho, we’re seeing a surge in people turning to escrow to avoid heartbreak. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe—and how to protect your money.
The Most Common Marketplace Scams
You’ve probably seen (or even experienced) one of these:
- Fake Sellers
They post attractive items at below-market prices. Once payment is made, they disappear—no delivery, no refund. - Overpayment Scams
A “buyer” sends a fake payment proof and asks you to refund the extra. You send the money—then find out the original payment never happened. - Switch & Bait
You’re shown one item (e.g. a working phone), but the seller delivers a broken or different one. - Fake Proof of Delivery
Sellers claim they’ve sent a courier, provide fake tracking, and disappear after receiving payment.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Seller or buyer insists on urgency
They refuse to meet in person or use verified platforms
Profiles have no history or use stock images
Payment requests via eWallet, voucher codes, or untraceable methods
They decline to use Paysho or other escrow services
How Escrow Solves the Problem
Escrow acts as a trusted middleman in your transaction. Here’s how it works:
Buyer deposits funds to Paysho
Seller delivers the item
Buyer inspects & confirms
Paysho releases funds to seller
Neither party can cheat the other. The transaction is fair, transparent, and protected.
Why You Should Never Trade Without Escrow
Without escrow, your money is immediately vulnerable the moment you send it. Even if you know the person virtually, social media makes it easy for fraudsters to clone profiles, use fake names, or create fake businesses.
✅ Paysho protects you from fraud
✅ Builds trust between buyer and seller
✅ Gives peace of mind to both parties
✅ Easy to use with any social media deal
Real Stories, Real Protection
“I lost R3,200 on a fake phone seller on Facebook. I wish I had known about Paysho earlier.”
– Kevin, Midrand
“As a seller, I’ve dealt with so many time-wasters and scammers. Paysho ensures I get paid before I hand anything over.”
– Reneilwe, Port Elizabeth
Tips to Stay Safe on Social Media Marketplaces
✅ Always meet in public if possible
✅ Check for reviews or history on seller profiles
✅ Ask for real-time pictures or video of the item
✅ Refuse to pay until you’ve inspected the goods
✅ Use Paysho for every transaction—especially those over R500
A Safer Marketplace Starts With You
Scammers thrive in low-trust environments. By choosing tools like Paysho, you raise the standard and make it harder for fraud to survive.
Tell your friends.
Use escrow.
Only trade with protection.
Ready to Buy or Sell Safely?
Don’t take chances. Use Paysho escrow today for all your social media transactions.
www.paysho.co.za
