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Common in South Africa

Scam in South AfricaShopping

Inflated curio prices and uncertain authenticity in South Africa

Cape Town open markets and souvenir sellers; V&A Waterfront souvenirs can be expensive and are not necessarily authentic

How it works

Buyers with foreign accents are often quoted much more than local buyers for African curios. A high price also does not guarantee an authentic item.

Warning signs

  • There is no price label.
  • The opening price is much higher than similar items nearby.
  • A seller cannot explain an item's origin despite claims of authenticity.

How to avoid it

  1. Compare prices before buying.
  2. Bargain at open markets.
  3. Ask about an item's origin if authenticity matters.
  4. Walk away if the price or explanation does not satisfy you.

If it happens to you

Ask the seller about a return or refund. Keep any receipt and written claims about the item.

  1. Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
  2. Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
  5. Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
What it can costForeign visitors may be quoted two to three times the price charged to locals.
Where it happensCape Town open markets and souvenir sellers; V&A Waterfront souvenirs can be expensive and are not necessarily authenticCape Town

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

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Questions

What is the inflated curio prices and uncertain authenticity scam in South Africa?

Buyers with foreign accents are often quoted much more than local buyers for African curios. A high price also does not guarantee an authentic item.

How can I spot it early?

There is no price label. The opening price is much higher than similar items nearby. A seller cannot explain an item's origin despite claims of authenticity.

How do I avoid inflated curio prices and uncertain authenticity in South Africa?

Compare prices before buying. Bargain at open markets. Ask about an item's origin if authenticity matters. Walk away if the price or explanation does not satisfy you.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Ask the seller about a return or refund. Keep any receipt and written claims about the item.

Where in South Africa does this happen?

Cape Town open markets and souvenir sellers; V&A Waterfront souvenirs can be expensive and are not necessarily authentic It has been reported in Cape Town.

How much can it cost me?

Foreign visitors may be quoted two to three times the price charged to locals.

How common is this scam in South Africa?

Common. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?

Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.

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