Price!
Unrealistically low prices are a major red flag. Don't let the excitement of getting a bargain blind you. Be cautious and look for other signs of fraud before making a purchase.
Investigate the seller
Check the seller's account age, reviews, and any other items they are selling.
Look for genuine activity on their Bike Hub account or other social media account.
Do a Google search for their name and phone number or use a service like Truecaller.
Location
Avoid sellers from remote locations who refuse secure payment methods like Bike Hub Pay. Scammers use remote locations to avoid in-person inspections. This could be an indication that the seller has no intention to deliver the goods.
Investigate the advert
Use reverse image search to check for images that have been taken from other sources on the internet. Just because someone has photos to show you it does not mean they took them.
Look for inconsistencies in images and descriptions. For example, are the plugs South African or do the plants in the background grow commonly in the area, etc.
Negotiation
During your conversations with the seller, watch out for:
False urgency
Refusal to allow inspection of the goods
Any requests for a deposit
Payments through insecure methods; like sending cash to a phone number or retail store or PayPal
Pushing you off the platform to WhatsApp or email
Personal safety
If meeting a seller, do it in a safe and public place to avoid potential risks.
More tips on trading safely on Bike Hub: https://help.bikehub.co.za/en/articles/3538876-safe-trading-tips-bike-hub-classifieds