December is when money and momentum collide. Bonuses land, families plan long drives, and social feeds fill up with “urgent” car deals. At the same time, scams are booming.
A recent TransUnion survey found that more than two-thirds of South Africans say they were recently targeted with fraud, much of it via digital channels. Consumer fraud is becoming more sophisticated, with AI-driven cons on the rise, and digital banking fraud incidents jumped 86% in 2024, with losses nearing R1.9 billion and banking apps now accounting for around 65% of digital fraud cases. In that climate, a rushed car purchase can be an expensive mistake.
“December brings out the best and the worst in the car market,” says Mike Pashut, CEO and founder of ChangeCars.co.zaand Stuurwiel.co.za, and host of All Things Motoring on DStv’s Ignition TV. “People are excited, emotional and in a hurry. That’s exactly what scammers are banking on”
“If you wouldn’t hand over R200 000 in cash to a stranger in a parking lot, don’t do the EFT version of that either.”
Here are the scams Pashut says are most likely to target South African buyers
- The “too-cheap” social media special
A car pops up on Facebook Marketplace, WhatsApp groups or classifieds at tens of thousands below market value. The seller is “emigrating” or “must sell today” and pushes for a holding deposit before you’ve even seen the car. The fix: compare prices across several ads, insist on viewing the car and papers in person, and never pay just to “keep it for you”. If you’re being rushed, pause. - Fake EFT or proof of payment
A buyer shows you a payment notification or screenshot and pressures you to hand over keys before the funds clear. Days later, there’s still no money in your account. The only safe rule is to not release the car, keys or licence disc until funds reflect in your own account and you’ve checked with your bank. Screenshots are not clearance. - Cloned or stolen vehicles
The car looks clean, but the VIN on the body doesn’t match the licence disc or Natis, or checks show the vehicle is stolen or still under finance. Papers may be “lost” or “still coming”. Any mismatch between VIN, engine number, licence disc and Natis is a red flag. - The “curbstoner”
This is an unlicensed trader posing as a private seller. They advertise several cars from the same number, often from parking lots or roadside spots, without any formal business, warranty or comeback if something goes wrong. Be wary of anyone “just helping family” sell multiple vehicles. - Test-drive traps
Insisting on odd meeting points, late-night appointments or isolated areas can be a setup for robbery or worse. Always meet in daylight, in busy public places or at a dealership. Don’t carry large amounts of cash, and let someone you trust know where you’re going and when you’re due back.
Slow the process, speed up your safety
According to Pashut, most December car disasters come down to speed. “People shop for cars the way they shop for holiday specials. They scroll, they get excited, they rush. Scammers don’t have to be that smart. They just have to be faster than your common sense,” he says.
He suggests treating every promising car as a three-part check: the seller, the vehicle and the paperwork.
Check the seller
Google their name, phone number and business. Look for reviews and complaints. Be cautious if they only want to talk via WhatsApp, refuse normal calls or won’t share an address. No online footprint, no physical premises and a lot of pressure are a bad combination.
Check the car
Always see it in person, in daylight. Take someone along if you’re not mechanically minded. Test drive on different roads and at different speeds. Look and listen for warning lights, odd noises, uneven panel gaps or fresh overspray that could hide accident damage.
Check the paperwork
Match VIN and engine number on the body to the licence disc and Natis. Confirm that the seller’s ID matches the registered owner. Ask for service history from recognised workshops or dealers. Use official channels or trusted dealers to confirm the car isn’t stolen or still under finance.
“Reputable dealers and platforms build these checks into their process,” says Pashut. “When you go completely private with a stranger online, you’re taking on all that risk yourself.”
Platforms that pre-vet dealers and listings, and value transparency lower the odds that you’ll stumble into a scam in the first place.
December can still be a good time to buy. Dealers may be keen to move stock, and buyers often have a bit more budget flexibility. But the difference between a smart purchase and a very expensive lesson is preparation.
“Your best defence is a calm, boring checklist,” says Pashut. “Scammers want you excited, rushed and distracted. The moment you slow down, ask for details and insist on proper process, most of them disappear.”
Before you fall in love with a shiny bonnet this festive season, arm yourself with questions. Read the fine print, check the numbers, and if anything feels off, rather walk away and live to shop another day.
If in doubt, speak to a trusted dealer or motoring expert first. It’s a much cheaper conversation than trying to recover money after the fact.