If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your wallet safe or avoid a dodgy deal, you’re in the right place. This page gathers the most recent consumer protection stories that matter to people living in Gauteng and gives you straight‑forward advice you can use today.
Over the past few weeks we’ve seen several alerts from the National Consumer Commission (NCC). One big story involved a recall of hundreds of Ford and Lincoln vehicles because of faulty transmissions that could cause crashes. The NCC warned owners to contact their dealers for a free fix – ignoring it can put you at serious risk.
Another hot topic is the rise in online scams targeting shoppers on popular e‑commerce platforms. Fraudsters are posting fake discount codes and asking for payment through unsecured links. If a deal looks too good to be true, double‑check the seller’s rating and never share your card details outside a protected checkout page.
First thing – keep records. When you buy something expensive, save the receipt, warranty info, and any email confirmations. If you need to claim a refund or a repair later, having these documents speeds up the process.
Second, stay alert for product recalls. The NCC updates its website regularly and sends out SMS alerts if you’ve opted in. A quick search for the brand name plus “recall” can tell you if your recent purchase is affected.
Third, use secure payment methods. Credit cards often have built‑in fraud protection that debit cards lack. If a merchant offers PayPal or another trusted gateway, choose it – those services add an extra layer between your bank and the seller.
Fourth, read reviews but don’t rely on them completely. Look for patterns in comments – multiple complaints about the same issue usually signal a real problem. When you see mixed feedback, reach out to the seller with specific questions before committing.
Finally, know your rights. South Africa’s Consumer Protection Act gives you a 10‑day cooling‑off period on most purchases made away from a store (like online). You can return the item for a full refund if it’s not as described or defective, without penalty.
By following these simple steps you’ll cut down the chances of falling victim to fraud, faulty products, or unfair contracts. Keep this page bookmarked – we’ll keep adding fresh updates and practical tips so you stay one step ahead.
Multichoice Nigeria has been fined N150 million by a Nigerian competition tribunal for contesting judicial authority and for violating pricing orders. The tribunal ordered the company to provide one month of free DStv and GOtv subscriptions to all Nigerians, following a controversial price increase announcement.
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