The seller wants a deposit to hold the item for me. Should I pay it?
No. A deposit to "hold" something you have not seen is the easiest money a scammer makes: it is small enough that you do not think twice and that you will not bother opening a case. If the seller cannot wait for you to see the item, let it go.
The deposit story works because it creates competition: other buyers are "on their way". Real private sellers rarely take deposits from strangers, and a real seller who does will still let you view first.
What to do
- Offer to come and see the item today and pay in full on the spot.
- If the answer is "deposit first", walk away.
- Search the advert photos and the seller's number for other adverts and scam reports.
- Never pay a deposit into a personal account for a car, a phone, a puppy or furniture you have not seen.
- If you have paid and the seller went quiet, phone your bank and report the advert on the platform.
Frequently asked questions
- The deposit is small. Is it worth worrying about?
- Scammers collect many small deposits from many people. Small for you, a living for them.
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.
Check a person