General: Staying Safe
Rental scams: how to spot a fake listing
You've found a flat in a great area at a price that actually works. The photos look decent. The 'landlord' responds fast. And then they say they're overseas and need a deposit before you can view. That's where the story ends - and the scam begins. ...
How to report a user on Gumtree
Occasionally someone shows up who makes the experience less than lekker. That's what the report tools are for. When to report Report a user if you believe they're attempting fraud, threatening you, sharing your personal information, or violating ...
My Gumtree account was hacked - now what?
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 ...
How to report a scam in South Africa
You spotted something dodgy. Good on you. Now let's make it someone else's problem - the right someone else. Reporting scams is how we make things better for everyone. Here's the full list of who to tell. Step 1: Flag it on Gumtree Every listing has ...
How to spot a scam
Scammers are creative. We'll give them that. But once you know their moves, you'll spot them coming from a mile away. Here are the most common scam patterns doing the rounds on SA classifieds right now. The fake proof of payment (POP) scam A buyer ...
How to avoid scams on Gumtree
Most people on Gumtree are genuinely great - they just want to sell their old couch or find a bakkie at a good price. But every now and then, someone tries their luck. Here's how to make sure that someone has a very bad day. The golden rule is ...
How to stay safe on Gumtree
Gumtree is where millions of South Africans buy, sell, swap, and connect every day. Most transactions go smoothly. But like any marketplace - online or off - it pays to know the rules of the road. Here is your full guide, by category. Buying and ...
Scammed on Gumtree? Here is exactly what to do next
Yoh. It happens. And when it does, the worst thing you can do is freeze. Here is your play-by-play to limit the damage - fast. Being scammed is stressful. But you have more options than you think. Work through this list in order and you give yourself ...
How Do I Report a Spoof / Fraudulent Email or Website?
One of the biggest threats to the security of your Gumtree account is fraudulent email and Websites, called spoof email and spoof Websites. Spoof emails look like real Gumtree emails and include links to "phishing" websites. While these phishing ...
I Have a Question About an Ad - What Do I Do?
You can email our direct helpline by clicking here. While we aren’t in a position to definitively verify whether a user, buyer or advert is legitimate or not, we can point out red flags and provide safe selling/buying advice. We’re here to help! ...
Gumtree Feature Payment Pages - How They Look
Gumtree has recently partnered with TradeSafe to offer a better service and user payment experience for our users. We've made a few small visual updates to our payment pages: 1. You will be directed to the secure 'select payment option' page. For ...
Choosing a Safe Place to Trade
Buyer - You've identified an item you are interested in. You contact the seller and ask questions about the item. You negotiate the price, now you need to meet. How do you decide on where to meet? Seller - You've been contacted by an interested ...
Does Gumtree Work With Law Enforcement?
Gumtree works with local and international law enforcement agencies to help keep the site free from scams and other illegal activities. We're committed to keeping Gumtree a safe place, and will always assist in a criminal investigation. In accordance ...
What Are the Benefits of Verifying My ID?
Gumtree users will now have the opportunity to verify their ID on their My Profile page. User ID information will not be made public. However, if a seller’s ID is successfully verified, the account will show an additional verification badge to ...
ID Verification - How Does It Work?
ID verification FAQ Gumtree sellers will now have the opportunity to verify their ID on their My Profile page. User ID information will not be made public. However, if a seller’s ID is successfully verified, together with their email and mobile ...
10 Online Safety Tips for Buying and Selling
10 ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR BUYING & SELLING 1. Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life! 2. Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 3. Beware of common scams and fraud. Click here for scam examples. ...
Popular Articles
Gumtree Privacy Policy
We at Gumtree take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your Personal Information. We place a high premium on the privacy of every person or organisation with whom we interact and therefore acknowledge the need for Personal ...
About Us
Welcome to Gumtree - South Africa's most popular Classified Marketplace! ‘Put it on Gumtree,’ has become a favourite South African saying. Since our launch in 2005, we’ve helped millions of people buy and sell millions of things. We’re a place ...
10 Online Safety Tips for Buying and Selling
10 ONLINE SAFETY TIPS FOR BUYING & SELLING 1. Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life! 2. Use common sense. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 3. Beware of common scams and fraud. Click here for scam examples. ...
Gumtree Terms of Use
1. Introduction These are the Terms and Conditions (“T’s and C’s”) of use relating to the Gumtree Platform and associated Services provided by Gumtree South Africa (Pty) Ltd (“Gumtree”, “we”, “us”, “our”). These T’s and C’s govern any User’s use of ...
Suspicious Emails & Phishing Scams
Please beware of the following phishing scams WhatsApp/Text messages sent to sellers, indicating that funds for the item they are selling have been paid to them through a Gumtree shipping and delivery or FedEx service. Sellers are then asked to enter ...