South African online shoppers urged to use caution against marketplace scams

As online shopping grows in popularity among South Africans looking to manage budgets, consumers face increasing risks from counterfeit products, payment scams, unreliable sellers, and unclear return policies.

Shaheen Price, founder of Uhuru Marketplace, advises shoppers to look for specific warning signs to avoid expensive mistakes. Key recommendations for safe shopping include verifying a seller's trading history and reviews, ensuring product photographs are authentic rather than generic, and confirming that the seller provides clear business details such as a name, location, and contactable support channel. Additionally, shoppers are encouraged to investigate listings that are dramatically cheaper than comparable products and to carefully read return policies before purchasing.