Protect yourself from auction fraud
Check all that apply to the auction house you're considering:
Fake auctions for items that don't exist. Scammers create convincing listings and collect deposits from multiple victims.
Warning signs: No physical viewings, pressure to pay quickly, generic photos.
Same item listed on multiple genuine platforms at different prices by a scammer.
Warning signs: Same photo appears elsewhere, price varies between sites.
Legitimate-looking auction that keeps deposits but never delivers goods or transfers property.
Warning signs: Delayed transfers, excuses, no communication after deposit.
Scammers use bot accounts to artificially inflate prices or use shill bidding to drive up costs.
Warning signs: Last-minute bidding wars, suspicious bidder names.
Check CIPC (Companies and Intellectual Property Commission) for company registration details.
Google the company name with "review", "scam", or "complaint". Check Trustpilot and Hellopeter.
Call the provided phone numbers. Verify physical address exists. Visit in person if possible.
Use WHOIS to check domain registration age. New domains (< 1 year) are higher risk.
Ask for recent buyer references. Contact them directly to verify their experience.
For high-value items, use an escrow service that holds funds until delivery is verified.
All auction houses listed on AuctionAtlas have been verified as registered members of the South African Institute of Auctioneers (SAIA). Look for this badge when browsing — it confirms the house meets SAIA's professional standards and code of conduct.