Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

All Topics about Newcastle All Cities in South Africa

1. Counterfeit Currency Scam

Be wary of receiving fake South African Rand notes. Check for holograms, watermarks, and feel the texture for authenticity.

Hologram Verification: Check for holograms on notes to avoid fake currency.
Watermark Inspection: Inspect the watermarks on South African Rand notes to confirm their authenticity.
Texture Sensation: Feel the texture of the note to ensure it is real, as fake notes may feel different.

Bargain hard and research average prices for goods before visiting markets to avoid being overcharged.

Research Prices: Research the average price of goods before visiting markets.
Bargain Hard: Always bargain hard to get a fair price for goods.
Avoid Overpriced Areas: Stay away from areas where prices are significantly higher than the norm.

Verify tour guide credentials and research companies before booking to avoid being scammed.

Credentials Verification: Ask for proper credentials from tour guides.
Company Research: Research the tour company's reputation and customer reviews.
Contract Agreement: Ask for a written contract outlining services, costs, and cancellations before booking.

Use ATMs located inside banks or malls to reduce the risk of skimming devices being attached.

Bank/Mall ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks or malls for increased security.
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad while entering your PIN to prevent keylogging.
Monitor Account Regularly: Regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.

Inspect the car thoroughly before accepting it and take photos as evidence. Always return the car in the same condition.

Thorough Inspection: Inspect the car thoroughly before accepting it.
Photograph Evidence: Take photos as evidence of any damages or issues with the car.
Return Car in Same Condition: Always return the car in the same condition it was given to avoid charges.

Ask for a meter-driven taxi or negotiate a fair price before starting your journey to avoid overcharging.

Meter-Driven Taxi: Use a meter-driven taxi for fair pricing.
Negotiate Fair Price: Negotiate a fair price before starting your journey in non-meter taxis.
Avoid Unofficial Taxis: Use official taxis or minibus taxis for safety and legal reasons.

Research accommodation thoroughly before booking to avoid staying in poor quality or unsafe places.

Thorough Research: Research accommodation options thoroughly.
Customer Reviews: Read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and safety of the accommodation.
Payment Method: Choose a reputable platform for booking, as it may offer protection against scams.

Purchase sim cards only from authorized dealers and avoid offering personal information to strangers.

Authorized Dealer: Buy sim cards only from authorized dealers.
No Personal Info Sharing: Avoid sharing personal information with strangers offering sim cards.
Data Plan Activation: Activate the data plan at a service center to ensure it's working correctly.

Choose food stalls that are busy and clean to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Busy Food Stalls: Choose busier food stalls with a quick turnover.
Cleanliness: Look for clean food stalls with proper sanitation facilities.
Cooked Food Only: Avoid food that has been sitting out for a long time, as it may contain harmful bacteria.

Only purchase gold from reputable jewellers or stores and ensure you get a receipt.

Reputable Jeweller: Purchase gold only from reputable jewellers or stores.
Receipt: Always ask for a receipt when purchasing gold.
Hallmark Verification: Check the gold's hallmark to ensure its purity and authenticity.

Research local charities before donating to avoid scams. Be cautious of aggressive solicitors.

Local Charity Research: Research local charities before donating.
Aggressive Solicitation: Be cautious of aggressive solicitors who may be scammers.
Secure Payment Method: Use secure payment methods when donating to charities online.

Ask for a tour guide's license and ensure they are registered with the relevant authorities.

License Verification: Ask for a tour guide's license.
Registration Confirmation: Ensure the tour guide is registered with relevant authorities.
Contract Agreement: Ask for a written contract outlining services, costs, and cancellations before booking.

Inspect the accommodation before accepting it for safety and cleanliness.

Thorough Inspection: Inspect the accommodation thoroughly.
Safety Features: Check for safety features such as smoke alarms and secure doors/windows.
Cleanliness: Ensure the accommodation is clean and well-maintained.

Avoid using internet cafes that are unattended or appear suspicious.

Attended Internet Cafe: Use attended internet cafes instead of unattended ones.
Suspicious Cafes Avoidance: Avoid suspicious-looking internet cafes.
Antivirus Software: Use computers with installed antivirus software to protect your data.

Ask for the itemized bill before paying to avoid unexpected charges.

Itemized Bill: Ask for an itemized bill before paying.
Service Charge Clarification: Clarify if there are any service charges or hidden fees.
Avoid Peak Hours: Try to avoid peak hours, as prices may be inflated during these times.