Cape Town salon owner loses R200 000 to Facebook Marketplace scammer

Pippa Hudson interviews Wendy Knowler, a Consumer Journalist.

Listen below (skip to 07:10).

In today's digital age, where buying and selling online is effortless, there are significant risks such as scams and even physical harm.

This became a harsh reality for Nazia, owner of a beauty salon in Cape Town.

She attempted to sell a laser hair removal machine on Facebook Marketplace for R200 000.

Despite receiving what seemed like proof of immediate payment, it turned out to be false.

The buyer even sent a photo of an ID to build trust, which later turned out to be from an unrelated victim of fraud.

Despite Nazia's efforts to redirect the delivery to a safer address after suspecting fraud, the machine was already delivered to an empty plot, as the courier could not amend the delivery instructions in time.

Naturally, Knowler reached out to the company to see if they were willing to take any responsibility, to which they replied:

“DSV acted properly in the execution of a mandate from the customer. The customer chose not to take out liability cover, nor was the value of the parcel declared. DSV is, however, pursuing the matter with our insurers to assess whether the claim would be considered. Once a parcel is in transit, it is not possible to recall the delivery, nor change the delivery address."

- Ralton Moses, Managing Director – DSV Road

Knowler will follow up with the company regarding their commitment to pursue the issue with their insurers.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.