Discovering someone else has been in your account is not a great feeling. The good news: it's fixable, and the faster you move, the better. Here are your next four steps.
Step 1: Change your password right now
Go to
gumtree.co.za/account and change your password immediately. Make it something strong - a mix of letters, numbers, and a symbol. And please, not the same password you use everywhere else. That's how this usually starts.
Step 2: Check what happened
Have a look at your recent listings, messages, and account activity. If someone created listings you didn't post or sent messages on your behalf, note what they did - you'll need this when you contact us.
Remove any listings created by the attacker straight away so no buyers get caught up in it.
Step 3: Secure your email account too
Your Gumtree account is linked to your email. If someone got into Gumtree, they may have tried your email too. Change that password and switch on two-factor authentication - most email providers offer it in settings.
Step 4: Contact Gumtree support
Reach out to us by clicking
here with details of what happened - when you noticed it, what activity you spotted, and whether any of your personal information may have been changed. We'll help you review and secure your account.
Going forward: turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) means even if someone gets your password, they still can't get in without a code that arrives on your phone. It takes two minutes to set up and makes your account dramatically harder to compromise. Do it today.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if someone else has been in my Gumtree account?
Check your recent listings, sent messages, and whether your email address or phone number has been changed. If you see anything you didn't do, that's your sign.
What if I can't log in because my email was changed?
Contact our support team at support.gumtree.co.za directly. Explain the situation and we'll verify your identity and help you regain access.
Can Gumtree see who accessed my account?
We can review account activity to help identify unusual access. Contact our support team and we'll assist with the investigation.