Category: escrow

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buyer protection escrow online classifieds online scams seller protection

How Escrow is Revolutionizing E-Commerce in South Africa

The South African e-commerce market is booming. With millions of transactions taking place online each year, more individuals and businesses are buying and selling everything from electronics to fashion, vehicles to property — all at the click of a button. But with this growth comes a surge in digital fraud, scams, and mistrust between buyers and sellers.

This is where escrow services, like those offered by Paysho, are transforming the way e-commerce operates in South Africa — creating a safer, more trustworthy space for everyone.

What Is Escrow?
An escrow is a financial arrangement where a third party (like Paysho) holds and regulates the payment of funds for two parties involved in a transaction. The funds are only released when all the terms of the agreement are met. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to reduce risk and ensure both sides get what they agreed upon.

The Trust Problem in South African E-Commerce
According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), digital crime, particularly in peer-to-peer online transactions, is on the rise. Many users of platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and even informal e-commerce stores have lost money to fake buyers or sellers.

The problem? Lack of trust. Buyers fear paying for an item that never arrives, while sellers worry they won’t be paid after shipping a product or rendering a service.

Escrow Solves This
Here’s how Paysho’s escrow system changes the game:

✅ For Buyers
Funds are only released when you’ve received the goods or services in the agreed condition.

You no longer need to rely on “good faith” alone when transacting with a stranger online.

✅ For Sellers
You’re guaranteed payment once the buyer confirms receipt.

No more worrying about bounced transfers or fake proof of payments.

Use Cases in South African E-Commerce
Escrow is becoming essential in key sectors:

  1. Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree
    Where fraud is common, Paysho provides a secure bridge for safer personal sales.
  2. Freelancing & Digital Services
    Graphic designers, writers, and web developers can now transact safely with clients locally and abroad.
  3. Online Classifieds
    For high-value goods like electronics, furniture, or vehicles, escrow ensures both sides play fair.
  4. Small Online Stores
    New and niche e-commerce platforms can plug into Paysho to build buyer trust instantly.

The Impact: Safer, Stronger Growth
With escrow services like Paysho:

Confidence grows: Consumers are more likely to transact when they feel safe.

Reputation improves: Sellers using escrow signal trustworthiness.

Disputes decrease: With funds secured until terms are met, fewer transactions end in conflict.

What Users Are Saying
“Paysho made it possible for me to sell my laptop online without worrying. The buyer paid upfront into escrow, and I got the funds as soon as he confirmed delivery. It’s a game changer.”
— Nokuthula, Cape Town

“I won’t do any more Facebook Marketplace deals without Paysho. Too many scammers. This is the only way I feel safe.”
— Thabo, Johannesburg

Escrow = The Future of E-Commerce in SA
As South Africa’s digital economy grows, escrow will become the backbone of safe and trusted transactions. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, freelancer, or small business owner, Paysho empowers you to trade with confidence.

Ready to transact safely?
Use Paysho for your next online deal.
✅ Simple. ✅ Secure. ✅ Scam-proof.

➡️ Get started today at www.paysho.co.za

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escrow seller protection

How Home Services Contractors Can Ensure Secure Payments with Paysho

As a home services contractor—whether you’re a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or any other skilled tradesperson—getting paid on time and in full is one of your biggest concerns. Many contractors face payment disputes, late payments, or even cases where customers refuse to pay after work is completed. This uncertainty can make it difficult to run a stable business.

That’s where Paysho, a secure escrow service, comes in. By using Paysho to manage payments, contractors can protect themselves from payment issues and ensure that they receive their hard-earned money promptly. Let’s explore how Paysho benefits home services contractors and why it’s a game-changer for the industry.

How Paysho Works for Home Services Contractors

Paysho acts as a trusted third party that holds payment securely until both the contractor and the customer agree that the job has been completed as per the agreed terms. Here’s how it works:

  1. Agree on Terms: The contractor and customer agree on the job details, including scope, cost, and deadlines.
  2. Customer Deposits Payment: The customer deposits the agreed-upon amount into a secure Paysho escrow account before the work begins.
  3. Work is Completed: The contractor performs the work as specified in the agreement.
  4. Payment Release: Once the customer confirms that the work is done satisfactorily, Paysho releases the funds to the contractor.

This system eliminates the risk of non-payment and ensures fair dealings for both parties.

Key Benefits of Paysho for Contractors

1. Guaranteed Payment

One of the biggest challenges for home service professionals is clients who delay or refuse to pay after work is done. With Paysho, you no longer have to worry about chasing payments. Since the customer must deposit funds before work begins, you are assured that the money is available and will be released once the job is completed.

2. Protection from Payment Disputes

Disagreements over payment terms can be frustrating and time-consuming. Paysho minimizes disputes by ensuring that payment is only released when both parties agree that the work has been completed as promised. If there are any disagreements, Paysho provides a structured way to resolve them fairly.

3. Professionalism and Trust Building

Using Paysho helps you appear more professional to potential clients. It reassures customers that their funds are protected until they receive the service they paid for, making them more comfortable doing business with you. This builds trust and encourages more people to hire you for their home service needs.

4. No More Payment Delays

Traditional payment methods often involve waiting for checks to clear, delays in bank transfers, or customers who “forget” to make payments. Paysho ensures that payments are processed securely and efficiently, so you get paid faster and with minimal hassle.

5. Secure Online Transactions

Paysho protects sensitive financial information with top-tier security measures, ensuring that your transactions are safe from fraud and cyber threats. Unlike direct bank transfers or cash payments, Paysho adds an extra layer of protection to keep both contractors and customers safe.

Who Can Benefit from Paysho?

Paysho is ideal for all types of home services contractors, including:

  • Plumbers – Get paid for repairs, installations, and maintenance services without the risk of customers delaying payment.
  • Electricians – Ensure secure payments for wiring, repairs, and electrical system upgrades.
  • Carpenters & Handymen – Avoid disputes over custom furniture builds, renovations, and repair jobs.
  • Landscapers & Gardeners – Receive payments upfront for lawn care, landscaping projects, and seasonal maintenance.
  • HVAC Technicians – Secure payments for heating and cooling system installations or repairs.

How to Get Started with Paysho

Using Paysho is simple and straightforward:

  1. Sign Up: Create a free Paysho account.
  2. Set Up Your Transaction: Agree on job terms with your client and request them to deposit the funds into Paysho’s escrow system.
  3. Complete the Work: Perform the service as per the agreement.
  4. Receive Payment: Once the client confirms satisfaction, the funds are released to your account.

By integrating Paysho into your payment process, you can work with confidence, knowing that you’ll always get paid for your hard work. Say goodbye to the stress of late or missing payments and focus on growing your business.

Ready to protect your payments? Try Paysho today and take control of your finances!

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escrow

Put government procurement funds into escrow

by Gregory Lee

This article first appeared here.

The route to turning state business to an escrow model should not be judicial, but legislative

As Business Day reported recently, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has made a welcome ruling that government departments cannot procure services or goods unless they actually have the money to pay for the contracts (“Government contracts with no money to pay for them are unlawful, court rules,” January 2).

While a step in the right direction, this is not enough to solve the longstanding issue of government contractual nonpayment. Speak to almost any small or medium business that has done business with the government and they will relate exhaustive stories of either being jilted or strung along.

I was myself brazenly informed by the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (admittedly a state-owned enterprise [SOE], not a department) that it simply would not pay me for services rendered some years ago, knowing that it would not be worth my while to sue. So, I vowed never to do business with SOEs or the government again.

Government nonpayment for services has become a major economic inhibitor, creating enormous distrust between those who can do the work and the national imperatives for economic movement. 

The SCA’s ruling has several limitations though. It has no monitoring or enforcement mechanism at the point of contract or start of work, which is the key phase for such instances. Contractors to the government will generally have no real way of verifying that the money is, in fact, available and it is unlikely that they can get departments to verify this reliably. Tender systems are simply not set up for this sort of thing.

Money also gets moved around: funds that were present can get drained away to other sources in the course of the budget cycle, and this will only be known once the breach of contract has occurred. This is exactly the sort of thing that brought about the SCA case in the first place. 

What I have been advocating for years is that the government should be required to place project funding into escrow — that is into a protected account administered by accredited financial institutions (for example, Paysho for more individual-level escrow, and Standard Bank’s offering).

In escrow funding, payment is guaranteed if the service is agreed by the buyer to have been provided adequately or if deemed to have been adequate by adjudication by a dispute adjudicator. Conversely, the funding would only be retained by the government entity if the provider of the service or goods is demonstrably in breach of contract. By ringfencing the amounts the uncertainty and defrauding of contractors by the government will be significantly reduced. 

It is true that escrow has complexities that need to be considered carefully. Most importantly, governance mechanisms would need to be in place to deal with disputes regarding contract or phase completion (for instance, if the government entity disputes quality or completion).

In individual escrow arrangements, the holder of the funds often adjudicates disputes, but financial institutions are not geared up for such disputes, which are often technical in nature. Bodies such as engineering councils, legal bodies and so on would need to be identified and agreed on to adjudicate disputes. This, in any case, would be a feature of a well-drafted contract. 

It would not be in the government’s interests, or indeed even possible, to ringfence the entirety of funds for large multi-phase projects. These types of projects can be divided into sensible phases, with funds required for each such phase and performance management defined accordingly. Again, metered funding should be part of normal contracting anyway. 

The escrow transaction costs (the cut paid to the financial services institution) would add to the net transaction costs of government business. However, smart contracting with these institutions should be able to come up with significantly reduced but reasonable fees given the enormous volumes involved.

An alternative could be for the National Treasury to create its own escrow service, although the cost of this would substitute for the fees and would not necessarily be desirable. As there is already a diversity of escrow service providers, they should compete for the work and can be vetted and substituted if necessary, or treated as a pool. 

The route to turning government business to an escrow model should not be judicial, it should be legislative. The Treasury really should consider the advantages of such a model, and through the minister propose appropriate legislation. In such sanity lies at least one key to unlocking our partially frozen economy. 

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escrow

How Escrow Protects Rental Deposits

When renting a property, tenants usually pay a deposit to cover potential damages. Traditionally, landlords hold this deposit, which can lead to disputes and mistrust. Escrow services like Paysho offer a solution by acting as a neutral third party to hold the deposit until the end of the tenancy.

Here’s how escrow works for rental deposits:

  • Agreement: The landlord and tenant agree to use an escrow service and outline the terms in their lease agreement.
  • Deposit Transfer: The tenant transfers the deposit to the escrow service’s secure account.
  • Holding the Deposit: The escrow service holds the deposit safely and impartially for the duration of the lease. Neither the landlord nor the tenant can access the funds during this time.
  • End of Tenancy: At the end of the tenancy, both parties inspect the property for damages.
  • Release of Funds:
    • If both parties agree on the condition of the property, the escrow service releases the deposit to the tenant.
    • If there are damages exceeding fair wear and tear, the landlord provides evidence, and the escrow service releases the appropriate amount to cover the repairs. Any remaining funds are returned to the tenant.
    • If a dispute arises regarding the deposit, the escrow service may facilitate a resolution or follow a predetermined process outlined in the lease agreement. This could involve mediation or arbitration.

Benefits of Using Escrow for Rental Deposits:

  • Protection for both parties: The tenant is protected from unfair deductions from their deposit, while the landlord is assured that funds are available to cover legitimate damages.
  • Transparency and Trust: The involvement of a neutral third party fosters transparency and trust between the landlord and tenant.
  • Reduced Disputes: The clear process and impartial handling of funds by the escrow service minimize the likelihood of disputes.
  • Peace of mind: Both parties have peace of mind knowing that the deposit is securely held and will be disbursed fairly according to the agreed terms.
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buyer protection escrow online classifieds online scams seller protection

Buying and Selling Online?

Have you ever been hesitant to buy or sell something online because you didn’t know if you could trust the other person? You’re not alone. In South Africa, a 2019 survey by Paysho revealed that 86% of online shoppers had never heard of an escrow service. But escrow services are a great way to protect yourself from scams when transacting with strangers.

What is an Escrow Service?

An escrow service is a third-party platform that holds onto the buyer’s money until the buyer receives the goods or services they ordered and are satisfied with them. This protects the buyer from losing their money if the seller doesn’t deliver as promised. It also protects the seller from not getting paid if the buyer backs out of the deal.

Paysho – Peace of Mind in Every Transaction

Paysho is a South African escrow service that offers buyer and seller protection for a variety of transactions, including physical and digital goods, and services.

Here’s how Paysho works:

The buyer and seller agree on the terms of the transaction.

The buyer deposits the funds into Paysho.

Paysho holds the funds until the buyer confirms they have received the goods or services and are happy with them.

Paysho releases the money to the seller.

Paysho is a win-win for both buyers and sellers:

Buyers get their goods as promised and don’t have to worry about being scammed.

Sellers get paid once the buyer confirms receipt and satisfaction with the goods and don’t have to worry about chasing down payments.

Why Use Paysho?

Peace of mind: Paysho takes the stress out of online transactions. You can be sure that your money is safe and that you’ll get what you paid for.

Protection from scams: Online classifieds and buy-and-sell platforms are rife with scammers. Paysho helps to protect you from being scammed by holding onto the funds until both parties are satisfied.

Convenience: Paysho is easy to use and can be used for a variety of transactions.

Paysho in Action: Real People, Real Protection

Real Paysho users have shared their positive experiences:

Henriëtte Krüger bought an expensive item with no concern for fraud, thanks to Paysho’s personal attention throughout the process.

Hein Abbott had a smooth and efficient transaction for musical equipment, with excellent communication from Paysho.

Msizi Kubheka avoided getting scammed by an architect by insisting on using Paysho. After the architect failed to deliver, Msizi received a full refund.

Tacet had a safe and successful transaction for a Synology NAS using Paysho, highlighting the importance of reasonably priced escrow services for safer trading.

These testimonials demonstrate how Paysho provides real protection for real people.

Don’t Be a Victim. Be Sure. Be Smart. Use Paysho.

Join the Paysho family today and experience the peace of mind that comes with secure online transactions. Click here to get started.

#BeSureWithPaysho

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buyer protection escrow online classifieds online scams seller protection

Be Sure With Paysho

When buying or selling items online, especially through classified ads or social media platforms, there’s always a risk of being scammed. Paysho is a South African escrow service that helps buyers and sellers avoid these risks.

Paysho acts as a trusted third party, holding the buyer’s money until they receive and approve the goods or services. Once the buyer is satisfied, Paysho releases the funds to the seller. This protects both parties:

Buyers are protected because they don’t have to release the money until they know they’re getting what they paid for.

Sellers are protected because they can be sure they’ll get paid once the buyer confirms receipt and satisfaction with the goods or services.

Paysho’s Key Advantages:

Peace of Mind: Paysho’s escrow service gives both buyers and sellers peace of mind, knowing that their money and goods are protected.

Security: Paysho safeguards funds until both parties are happy, eliminating the uncertainties associated with online buying and selling.

Wide Range of Uses: Paysho can be used for various transactions, including physical goods, digital goods, services, and deposits.5 Examples include:

  • Luxury items like jewellery, art, and antiques
  • Vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, and boats
  • Services such as construction, web development, and design
  • Deposits for rentals and accommodation bookings

Simple Process: Paysho’s process is straightforward, involving six clear steps to ensure a smooth and secure transaction

Affordable Fees: Paysho charges a small percentage-based fee, ensuring accessibility and value for money.

Positive Testimonials: Paysho boasts numerous positive testimonials from satisfied users who have successfully transacted through their platform.

Addressing South Africa’s Need for Secure Transactions

South Africa has a high rate of financial crime, with 69% of respondents in a 2014 PwC survey reporting being victims. Many people are unaware of escrow services and continue to get scammed, particularly when buying high-value items like electronics or emotional purchases like pets. Paysho aims to address this need by providing a secure and trusted platform for online transactions, helping to build a safer and more informed consumer landscape.

Paysho is the best escrow service in South Africa because it offers a comprehensive solution for secure online transactions, with a strong focus on buyer and seller protection, ease of use, and affordability. Our commitment to building a trustworthy platform is evident in our tagline: #BeSureWithPaysho. By using Paysho, South Africans can enjoy the convenience of online buying and selling without the worry of scams.

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buyer protection escrow online scams

How An Escrow Service Can Protect You From Pet Scams

An escrow service can protect pet buyers from pet scams in several ways:

1. Secure Payment Processing: Escrow services hold payment until the buyer confirms receipt of the pet, ensuring the seller doesn’t receive payment until the buyer has received the pet.

2. Verification of Seller and Pet: Escrow services can verify the seller’s identity and the pet’s existence, health, and ownership.

3. Protection from Fraudulent Sellers: Escrow services can detect and prevent fraudulent activity, such as fake websites or scammers posing as breeders.

4. Safe Transfer of Funds: Escrow services ensure that funds are transferred securely and safely, reducing the risk of financial loss.

5. Dispute Resolution: Escrow services can mediate disputes between buyers and sellers, helping to resolve issues quickly and fairly.

6. Protection from Scams like “Pet Not as Described”: Escrow services can ensure that the pet is as described by the seller, reducing the risk of buyers receiving a pet that is not as expected.

7. Protection from Phishing Scams: Escrow services can detect and prevent phishing scams, where scammers try to trick buyers into revealing sensitive information.

By using an escrow service, pet buyers can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to pet scams and ensure a safe and secure transaction.

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buyer protection escrow online classifieds online scams seller protection

Escrow Services Simplified

Online marketplaces are a popular and convenient way to buy and sell goods, but they also pose some risks of fraud and scams. One way to protect yourself and your money is to use an escrow service, which acts as a trusted third party that holds and releases funds according to the terms of the transaction. But is escrow always the best option? Here are some of the advantages of using escrow services for online marketplace transactions.

How escrow works
An escrow service is a company that provides a secure platform for buyers and sellers to complete their online marketplace transactions. The buyer pays the escrow service, which verifies the payment and notifies the seller. The seller then ships the item to the buyer and provides the tracking information to the escrow service. The escrow service confirms the delivery and releases the payment to the seller, minus a fee. If there is a problem with the item or the delivery, the escrow service can help resolve the dispute or refund the buyer.

Advantages of escrow
Using an escrow service in online marketplace transactions has several advantages for both buyers and sellers. Escrow reduces the risk of fraud and scams, as it verifies the identity and legitimacy of both parties, and ensures that the payment and the item are exchanged as agreed. It also protects buyers from receiving damaged, defective, or counterfeit goods, or not receiving the item at all, as the escrow service holds the payment until the buyer is satisfied with their purchase. Sellers are also protected from chargebacks, disputes, or non-payment, as the escrow service guarantees payment once the item is delivered and accepted by the buyer. Finally, an escrow service can enhance trust and confidence between both parties as they can rely on it to handle the transaction securely and fairly.

How to choose an escrow service
When choosing an escrow service for your online auction transaction, it’s important to do some research and comparison. You should look for an escrow service that is licensed, regulated, and insured by the relevant authorities in your country or region, and that complies with the laws and regulations of online commerce and consumer protection. Additionally, you should find one with a clear fee structure, terms and conditions, dispute resolution process, customer service policy, and written contract and receipt for your transaction. Lastly, you should make sure the escrow service has a good reputation and track record with positive reviews from previous customers and independent sources.

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buyer protection escrow online classifieds online scams

Time is NOT against you

One of the tricks that scammers use to rob you of your money is to put time pressure you. For starters, they will advertise something at such a good price that it will attract a lot of potential buyers. Anyone who shows interest in the item will be told that there are many other people interested in it and that the only way to secure it is by paying a deposit or even the full amount before they’ve even seen the product or confirmed the legitimacy of the sale.

This pressure does work because everyone likes a good deal. And the scammers know that. However, if you are in a hurry to secure the item, you are more likely to make a mistake or miss a red flag – this is exactly what scammers are hoping for.

Don’t rush into a sale right away. If something feels off about a seller, you are not under any obligation to buy and you shouldn’t be pressured into buying something before all the safety boxes have been firmly ticked.

Of course, one way to protect from any scams is by using an escrow service such as Paysho whenever you want to buy or sell from Facebook, Instagram or online classifieds. Paysho gives you peace of mind with every purchase you make by ensuring that your money is protected from any scam. Whether you are buying online or offline, you can be sure with Paysho.

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buyer protection escrow online classifieds seller protection

The Safest Way To Buy and Sell Domains

You’ve come up with the perfect name for your business. You register it. And because you also want to have an online presence for your business, you decide to register a domain. But alas, the don’t domain you really want has been taken. The person who owns it is not using it. They’ve just parked it. You make contact with them and manage to convince them to sell it to you for a fair price.

Now you and the seller are faced with a challenge: how do you ensure that the transaction goes smoothly? Do you send them the money and trust that they will transfer the domain to you or does the seller transfer the domain to you before you pay?

This is where an escrow service like Paysho comes in. An escrow service is a third party that holds the money until the domain is transferred. It works as follows:

1. Once the buyer and the seller agree on the price for the domain, they can set up an escrow transaction on Paysho.

2. The buyer pays the money into Paysho.

3. Once Paysho confirms that they have the money, we instruct the seller to transfer the domain.

4. When the buyer confirms that the domain has been successfully transferred, Paysho will transfer the money to the seller.

Both the buyer and the seller can conduct the transaction with complete peace of mind knowing that they are safe from any potential scams. For more information on how Paysho works, you can click here: