SCAM ALERT: Avoid online stores with 'Capetown' as one word

Pippa Hudson speaks with consumer journalist Wendy Knowler.

Listen below.

Cape Talk listener Glynis got scammed by the online company ‘Mori Capetown' when trying to buy orthopaedic shoes.

She spent almost R1000 on shoes, only to get a poor-quality pair that did not meet the standards for orthopaedic support.

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When she tried to return them, she was told she had to ship them back to Asia at her own expense, which would have cost R1500.

This requirement was declared in their returns policy, but it was very far down on the page that most customers will not read.

Glynis sent an email to the company and they offered to give her a 30% refund and let her keep the products or a 60% voucher for her next purchase.

However, she still wants to warn others against this site and their offers which are too good to be true.

Knowler urges consumers to check sites like HelloPeter before buying anything online.

She adds that you should keep an eye on the small print policies and avoid sites ending with ‘Capetown’ spelt as one word.

“These issues are absolutely rampant at the moment.”

- Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist

If you are unsure, she recommends taking a screenshot of the product being advertised and doing a reverse Google image search to see what comes up.

“You will usually find them on a more legitimate platform.”

- Wendy Knowler, Consumer journalist

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