Loading your content...

How to Detect Fake Car Ads in South Africa: A Practical Guide for Sellers

Name: Sell Your Damanged Car
Telephone: 0877030800

Worried about car scams in South Africa? Learn how to detect fake car ads and protect yourself when selling damaged or non-running vehicles.

Published:January 15, 2026

3 min read

Overview: The Reality of Online Car Selling in South Africa

Online marketplaces are a popular way to sell cars in South Africa, especially for those with damaged, non-running, or written-off vehicles. However, with convenience comes risk: fake car ads and scams targeting unsuspecting sellers are on the rise. Understanding how to recognise false ads and fraudulent buyers is essential when you want a hassle-free, secure transaction in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and beyond.

Did You Know? According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), vehicle-related online scams have increased by more than 30% in the past two years. Knowing the common tricks scammers use can protect your money and your car.

When to Be Wary: Common Fake Car Ad Scenarios

Buyers who offer immediate payment without seeing the car
Ads with unusually low or high prices for the vehicle's condition
Requests for up-front payments or "deposits" to secure sale or viewing
Inconsistent details between the description and photos
Refusal to provide physical addresses or insistence on meeting in off-site locations
Unwillingness to complete legal paperwork like registration transfer

Typical Signs of Fake Car Ads

Red Flag	Description
Suspicious Price	Far below market value or inconsistent with photos
No Full Vehicle Details	Ad omits VIN, year, or provides generic responses
Untraceable Contact	Only email or online messaging, no phone call or in-person meet
Non-local Tactics	Buyer claims to be abroad or wants a "courier" payment upfront
Avoids Paperwork	Refuses to show ID, provide proof of payment or complete documents

Always compare offers and buyer communication with trusted car-buying services like Sell Your Damaged Car for extra peace of mind. For more information, consult our pages on Selling Non-Running Cars and Selling Damaged Cars, or see our car sale security advice.

How to Check Authenticity: Step-by-Step

Verify contact details: Confirm phone numbers and addresses; avoid sellers or buyers who only interact via email or social media DM.
Request full paperwork: Ask for registration, proof of ownership, and verify chassis/VIN numbers with eNatis or the SAPS.
Cross-check ad information: Ensure photos, car specs and the condition description match. Look for reused or stock images.
Meet in safe, public locations: Insist on viewings in busy, designated meetup zones, not private or secluded places.
Demand proof of payment: Only hand over car keys and papers after payment is verified and funds are cleared in your account.

When selling a damaged car, always complete official sale and deregistration paperwork. This protects you legally if the vehicle is later used in a crime or dispute.

South Africa: Paperwork Essentials & Legal Notes

Vehicle registration papers: Must match the seller's ID or company details
De-registration (NCO form): Notifies the licensing department once the car is sold or written-off
Proof of settlement: If the car is under finance, obtain a settlement letter from the lender before completing a sale
eNatis check: Use the official system to check for outstanding fines, theft or code status (especially for salvage or code 3/4 vehicles)

Examples: Fake Ad VS Genuine Sale (SA Context)

Scenario	Fake Ad	Genuine Sale
Price Offered	R35 000 below market value, "must go fast"	Competitive, matches condition and similar listings
Communication	Only WhatsApp, evasive about meeting	Phone calls, responds to queries, provides clear details
Paperwork	Avoids eNatis, no bank proof, refuses NCO	All documents provided and explained

Final Tips to Stay Safe

Trust established car-buying services with transparent processes (e.g., Sell Your Damaged Car handles admin, collection, and payment in one step)
Never accept cheques, especially "bank guaranteed" drafts, due to high fraud risk
If in doubt, consult with your local traffic department or SAPS before concluding a sale

Sources

Sell Your Damaged Car — Damaged Car Specialist

Seasoned automotive specialists dedicated to helping you turn your damaged or non-running vehicle into cash fast and hassle-free.

Last updated: January 17, 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current details on the retailer's website before making a purchase. We may earn affiliate commissions from qualifying purchases.

Ready To Sell Your Damaged Car?

Ready to turn your damaged or non-running car into fast cash? Simply fill in our quick online form, accept your fair, no-obligation offer, and we’ll tow your vehicle for free and pay you on the spot. Don’t let your car lose any more value - get your free quote today!

Get My Offer