In an era where online shopping has become the norm, the risk of falling victim to online scams is higher than ever, especially in South Africa. As an experienced eCommerce business owner, Iโve developed a tried-and-true process to help others avoid being swindled. This guide will walk you through the steps I take to verify the legitimacy of online businesses, from the least to the most critical checks.
Your first line of defence against online scams should be checking the domain registration. In South Africa, if a domain is registered through a reputable registrar like domains.co.za, you’re already off to a safer start.
– Visit domains.co.za WHOIS
– Enter the websiteโs domain name.
– Review the information to see if it matches what youโd expect from a legitimate business.
A domain registered in South Africa by a known registrar often indicates a trustworthy site, though itโs not a foolproof method.
Next, check the business’s contact number via Truecaller. A phone number with no records could be a red flag, although it might also mean the business is new. Truecaller helps you confirm whether the number is tied to a legitimate entity.
– Download the Truecaller app for Android or Truecaller app for iOS.
– Enter the businessโs phone number to verify its legitimacy.
Facebook reviews are an invaluable tool in assessing a businessโs credibility. Legitimate businesses are open to feedback and will have a visible reviews tab on their Facebook page. If the reviews tab is missing, itโs often a sign theyโre hiding something.
Facebook makes it extremely difficult to remove reviews, even for the page owner. This ensures that feedback, whether positive or negative, remains visible to potential customers. Only reviews that violate Facebookโs community standards are eligible for removal, which makes this platform a trustworthy source of honest customer opinions.
– Visit the businessโs Facebook page.
– Navigate to the reviews section (e.g., My Kleine Winkel Reviews.)
Compare this with a Facebook page that has disabled reviewsโthis is a significant red flag.
Google reviews are another reliable source because removing a review from Google is nearly impossible. A business with numerous positive reviews is likely trustworthy.
Google has stringent policies when it comes to removing reviews. Reviews can only be taken down if they clearly violate Googleโs guidelines, such as containing inappropriate content or spam. This means that most reviews you see on Google reflect genuine customer experiences, making it a reliable platform for assessing a business.
– Search for the business name on Google.
– Scroll down to see the Google reviews section (e.g. My Kleine Winkel Google Reviews)
In South Africa, Hellopeter is a well-known platform where customers leave feedback about businesses. If a company has wronged someone, itโs almost guaranteed to be listed here.
Hellopeter is a trusted platform in South Africa because it allows customers to share their experiences freely, whether positive or negative. Businesses cannot remove or alter reviews, which ensures that what you read is a genuine reflection of customer experiences. Additionally, Hellopeter offers businesses the opportunity to respond to reviews, which can provide further insights into how a company handles customer service.
– Visit Hellopeter.com.
– Search for the business (e.g., My Kleine Winkel) to see what others are saying.
Before entering any personal or payment information on a website, ensure that the site is secure. Look for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar and check that the URL begins with “https://” rather than just “http://”. The “s” in “https” stands for secure, and it indicates that your data is encrypted when sent to the website.
If youโre still unsure, turn to Facebook groups dedicated to identifying scammers in South Africa. Here are a few you can check out:
-South Africa Scams & Fraud Awareness: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/SAfraud/]
– Scam Alert South Africa: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScamAlertSA/]
– Exposing Scammers SA: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ExposingScammersSA/]
These communities can provide real-time insights and experiences from others who may have encountered the same business.
While product reviews on a website can seem helpful, they are not always trustworthy. Website owners can easily manipulate or fabricate reviews to make their products appear more favourable. Instead of relying solely on these, look for reviews on external, trusted platforms like Google, Facebook, or Hellopeter. A legitimate business will usually reference these platforms for reviews to provide unbiased customer feedback.
Finally, use common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. For example, if a product usually costs R5000 but is being sold for R1000, approach with caution. Scammers often lure victims with unbeatable prices.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to online scams in South Africa. Remember, vigilance is key. Always take the time to do your due diligence before making any online purchase. If something feels off, trust your instincts and dig deeper. Stay safe and shop smart!
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