Buying, selling, or renting property in South Africa often involves large payments—and scammers know it. A few simple checks can stop invoice redirection, fake listings, and rushed “pay now” traps. Use this quick 10-point checklist to verify people, accounts, and properties before you send a cent.

 

  1. Verify bank details by calling a known number (don’t trust emailed/WhatsApp changes). Always treat “updated bank details” as suspicious. Use a phone number you already have on file or from the company’s official website to confirm the account before paying. Never use numbers or links in the same email/WhatsApp that announced the change.

  2. Never pay a deposit before an in-person viewing. Scammers push for deposits to “secure” a place you haven’t seen. View the property in person, meet the agent/owner, and check access and condition before paying anything. If you can’t view, walk away.

  3. Check the estate agent on the PPRA register. Ask for the agent’s full name and Fidelity Fund Certificate number, then verify it on the PPRA public register. An unregistered agent is a major red flag and means you may have little recourse if things go wrong.

  4. Verify the conveyancer with the Legal Practice Council. Confirm the law firm and the specific attorney are in good standing and that the bank account is a trust account. Phone the firm using a number from their official website to verify payment instructions.

  5. Have your agent confirm ownership in writing. A reputable, registered agent should run a check to verify the legal owner and share the proof (search extract or reference number) before any payments. Ensure the owner’s details match the mandate and sale/lease agreement. If confirmation isn’t forthcoming, pause the deal and verify independently.

  6. Use your bank’s beneficiary name-check before first payments. When adding a new beneficiary, look for a name-match or account verification prompt. If the account name or type doesn’t match what you expect, stop and re-verify with the payee through a trusted channel.

  7. Slow down—urgency to “pay now” is a red flag. Fraudsters create pressure with expiring offers or “last unit available” messages. Take time to verify details, read contracts, and confirm banking info. A legitimate seller or firm will allow reasonable checks.

  8. Never share OTPs/PINs/CVVs or allow remote access. Banks won’t ask for these, and no deal requires them. Don’t read out codes, click suspicious approval prompts, or install remote-control apps at someone’s request. If pressured, end the conversation immediately.

  9. Watch for lookalike email addresses and fake payment links. Check the sender closely—one swapped letter or extra character can fool you. Don’t click payment links from emails; type your bank’s URL manually or use your banking app. Be cautious with attachments and PDFs.

  10. For large payments, do a small test transfer and confirm with the payee via a known phone number before sending the full amount. Send a small amount first, then call the verified number of the firm or person to confirm receipt into the correct account. Only once confirmed should you transfer the balance. Keep records of all confirmations.