How to Avoid Common Scams When Selling Online

Selling online opens your business to many more customers, and unfortunately to some scammers too. Small businesses are often targeted because criminals assume they do not have security teams or strict processes. The good news is that most scams follow a few familiar patterns. Once you know them, they are much easier to spot.

1. Fake proof of payment

This is one of the most common tricks. A "customer" sends you a screenshot, an SMS or an email that looks like a payment confirmation, then asks you to hand over or deliver the goods immediately. The payment never actually arrives.

How to protect yourself

• Only trust your own banking app, payment app or marketplace transaction history. A screenshot or forwarded message is not proof.
• Wait until the money reflects before releasing goods, especially for large orders or new customers.
• Be suspicious of pressure. "My driver is waiting outside, please hurry" is a classic pressure line.

2. Requests for your OTP or PIN

Someone calls or messages, claiming to be from your bank, a payment provider, a marketplace or a delivery company. They say there is a problem with your account or a payment, and ask you to read back a one-time PIN (OTP) that was just sent to your phone.

That OTP is the key to your account. Once the scammer has it, they can approve payments, change your details or take over your profile.

How to protect yourself

• Never share an OTP, PIN or password with anyone, no matter who they say they are.
• If you are worried, hang up and call your bank or provider on the number printed on your card or on their official website.

3. The overpayment trick

A buyer "accidentally" pays you more than the price, then asks you to refund the difference. The original payment is later reversed or turns out to be fake, and you have lost the refund amount plus the goods.

How to protect yourself

• Do not refund any "overpayment" until the full original payment has cleared in your account.
• Refund only to the same account the money came from, never to a different account the buyer gives you.

4. Fake buyers collecting your details

Some "buyers" ask a lot of personal questions: your ID number, your bank login, your home address or photos of your cards. They may say they need it to "verify" you or to pay you. They do not. A legitimate buyer needs only to know what you sell, the price, and how to pay or collect.

Keep personal information to the minimum. Share only what is needed for the sale.

5. Fake links and look-alike apps

Scammers send links to websites that look like a bank, a courier or a marketplace login page. When you enter your details, they capture them.

• Do not tap links in unexpected messages. Open the app or type the website address yourself.
• Download apps only from your phone's official app store.
• Check web addresses carefully for small spelling changes.

6. SIM swap fraud

In a SIM swap, a criminal convinces a mobile network to move your number to a new SIM card. Your phone suddenly loses signal, and the criminal starts receiving your SMSes and OTPs.

• If your phone loses signal unexpectedly for a long time while others around you have signal, contact your network provider immediately.
• Ask your bank whether they offer alerts or protections against SIM swaps.

7. "Too good to be true" supplier deals

Scams do not only come from buyers. Watch out for suppliers offering stock at prices far below normal, especially if they want full payment upfront to an individual's account. Buy from suppliers you know, visit them in person where possible, and start with small orders.

Good habits that keep you safe

1. Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency. A real customer can wait a few minutes while you check.
2. Keep sales in one place. Using a marketplace's own payment and transaction history means you can see exactly what was paid. Bona Markets includes a secure in-app payment gateway and transaction history for buyers and sellers.
3. Lock your phone with a PIN or fingerprint.
4. Talk to other traders. Share the scams you see so your neighbours can avoid them too.
5. Report fraud to your bank straight away and open a case at your local police station.

What to do if you have been scammed

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately to block cards or accounts and try to stop the transaction.
• Change your passwords and PINs.
• Report the scammer's profile or number to the platform where you met them.
• Open a case with the South African Police Service and keep the case number.

Sell with confidence

Scams are a reality of doing business online, but they should not stop you from reaching new customers. With a few simple checks, you can sell safely. Learn more about the payment options in our guide to cash and digital payments for township traders, read about Bona Markets, or contact us if you have a question.