Hello Mabs
My boyfriend recently got scammed while trying to buy a car from an “auction”. He was asked to pay R50k to secure the bakkie before it goes on auction. I’m heartbroken for him. What are the ways for consumers to protect themselves when trying to buy a car through an auction?
Mabs Answers:
I’m so sorry to hear what happened. Sadly, scams like these are common. A real car auction never asks for large upfront “holding fees” before the sale. Legitimate auctions are public, transparent events where you can view cars in advance, register, and then bid openly on the day.
To protect yourself, always verify that the auction house is registered and check reviews or their website. The only upfront payment required at an auction is a refundable deposit to register as a bidder, nothing more. Once you have successfully bid for a car at an auction, make payments only through official banking channels, not to individuals.
If an offer feels rushed, secretive, or “too good to be true,” walk away. Trust your instincts — and when in doubt, get advice before parting with your money.
