By Everson Luhanga
- JustMoney found 71% of South Africans choose where to shop based on specials, as 61% find every month financially difficult.
- The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud received 12,207 complaints in 2024/25, with online purchases making up 19% of all cases.
Millions of South Africans turn to online shopping to stretch their money. But the hunt for cheaper deals can end in a scam, a missing delivery or a product that looks nothing like its picture.
A survey by financial platform JustMoney found that 61% of South Africans find every month financially difficult. It also found that 71% of people decide where to shop based on specials.
But half of those surveyed said they had been scammed in some way.
The Consumer Goods and Services Ombud says online purchases made up the biggest share of complaints it received. Online shopping accounted for 19% of the 12,207 complaints logged in the 2024 and 2025 period.
Common problems include goods that never arrive or arrive late. Others receive items that look nothing like the pictures shown online.
Sunette Ansara from JustMoney says South Africa has laws that protect shoppers. But she warns that people must know their rights and stay alert.
Online sellers must provide clear business details and full prices. They must also explain delivery times and refund rules. Goods must be safe and match what is shown online.
Most products carry a six-month warranty under consumer law. If an item is faulty, shoppers can demand a repair, replacement or refund. The seller cannot force a buyer to accept a repair.
Ansara says shoppers should watch for warning signs. Very low prices, missing contact details and unclear return policies can signal trouble.
She says buyers should keep proof of payment and screenshots of adverts. These records are important if a complaint needs to be reported to consumer watchdogs.
Pictured above: A woman shopping online.
Image source: Pexels
