Beware: Car Scam Resurfaces on TikTok in South Africa

A concerning trend has resurfaced on social media, prompting WesBank to issue a stern warning to car buyers across South Africa. Fraudsters have returned with a sophisticated online auction scam, this time taking to TikTok to trick unsuspecting consumers looking for affordable vehicle deals.

TikTok Scams Target Vehicle Shoppers

Scammers are posing as official WesBank representatives, using the bank’s name, branding, and fake profiles to make their schemes appear legitimate. These con artists offer what seem to be incredible deals on repossessed or bank auction vehicles, hoping to lure in buyers eager for bargains.

Fraudsters pressure victims to pay deposits or full amounts upfront, claiming it’s to “secure” a vehicle. Once they receive the money, they vanish and often delete their TikTok accounts, leaving buyers without a car or any way to recover their funds.

WesBank Issues Warning: Stay Alert

Lebo Gaoaketse, WesBank’s Head of Marketing and Communication, cautioned the public against accepting offers outside formal auction platforms.

“Ensure you’re dealing directly with a registered auction house or an authorised bank representative,” Gaoaketse urged. “Unofficial offers are typically traps. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instinctsit’s better to walk away than be scammed.”

Red Flags to Watch Out For

WesBank shared key signs that an auction might not be legitimate:

• Requests for payment outside of official platforms.
• Sellers who refuse to provide more images or clear details.
• Vague, inconsistent, or suspicious vehicle descriptions.

Tips to Avoid Falling Victim

To help buyers avoid these fraudulent schemes, WesBank outlined practical safety measures:

1. Verify Registration and Deposits:
   All legitimate auctions require official registration and a refundable deposit. However, no credible auctionespecially one associated with WesBank will demand a deposit to reserve a car before bidding begins.
2. Understand the Rules:
   Familiarise yourself with the auction’s terms and conditions. Know how payments are processed, what your responsibilities are as a buyer, and how refunds are handled. This knowledge will help you detect inconsistencies or scams more easily.
3. Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Deals:
   If an offer seems unrealistically cheap, it probably is. Stick to recognised auction platforms and avoid private messages or posts that offer unbelievable discounts.

Report Suspicious Activity

WesBank encourages all users to report any unusual or suspicious interactions on auction platforms or social media channels. Early reporting can prevent others from becoming victims and help clean up fraudulent activity in the online marketplace.

As digital scams evolve, so should consumer awareness. By keeping these precautions in mind and conducting proper checks, South African car buyers can navigate the vehicle auction space with greater confidence and security.

Remember: Deals that sound too good to be true often are. Stick with trusted platforms and representatives, and never let the pressure of a bargain cloud your judgement.

Related article: Warning: New Car Insurance Scam Using AI Puts South African Motorists at Risk