I paid for something on Marketplace and the seller blocked me. What now?
Phone your bank's fraud line now and ask them to try to stop or recall the EFT; the sooner you call, the better the chance that the money is still in the receiving account. Then report the profile on the platform and open a case with SAPS with the account details you paid into.
Being blocked is the moment the scam becomes clear, but it is not the end of what you can do. The bank account you paid into belongs to someone, and banks and SAPS do act on reported accounts. Keep every message, the advert and the proof of your payment.
Step by step
- Phone your bank and report the EFT as fraud, with the date, amount and the account number.
- Screenshot the advert, the profile, the chat and your proof of payment before they disappear.
- Report the seller on Facebook, Gumtree or wherever you found them.
- Open a case at your SAPS station and give the case number to your bank.
- Warn others: search the seller's number and name, and leave a warning where others will find it.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I get my money back?
- Sometimes, if the money is still in the account when the bank acts. Often not. Act fast and report anyway.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
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