Consumer Hacks with Wendy Knowler
Know your rights as a consumer. ECR’s Consumer Watchdog, Wendy Knowler, is giving us daily consumer tips to help empower you as a consumer. Here are the latest Consumer Hacks with Wendy Knowler.
Your new cellphone number could well have had a dodgy past
Your new cellphone number could well have had a dodgy past.
Investment schemes - so much fakery to navigate
Deepfake videos and fake WhatsApp groups are increasingly targeting consumers, with scammers impersonating figures such as retired businessman Laurie Dippenaar, Elon Musk, and Patrice Motsepe to lure investors.
Do you have to take that after-market warranty when buying a car?
Don’t be fooled by a car salesman into thinking that you have to pay for a so-called after-market warranty when buying a car that no longer has the manufacturer’s warranty.
Cellphone contracts
No, there’s nothing stopping cellphone networks from increasing subscription fees on existing contracts.
Beware the balloon payment trap in car financing
Balloon payments may seem appealing when financing a car, but the choice often backfires on the car buyer years later.
Steer clear of travel scams with these 10 questions
Steer clear of travel scams with these 10 questions
Beware debt counselling call centre scams
Debt counselling scams are rampant in South Africa. Call centres, often linked to registered debt counsellors, cold-call consumers, falsely promising reduced interest rates or debt write-offs.
Only pre-paid vouchers must legally be valid for at least three years
Only pre-paid vouchers must legally be valid for at least three years
Dodge visa drama: double-check your travel agent’s advice
Dodge visa drama: double-check your travel agent’s advice
How to protect yourself against rogue tenants
Landlords, don’t let your tenant’s failure to pay your rent derail your finances; insure yourself against the potentially high cost of loss of rental and tenant eviction.
Beware of sneaky formula marketing on social media
The WHO and UNICEF are urging local regulators to update South Africa’s Regulations Relating to Foodstuffs for Infants and Young Children to tackle the marketing of formula on social media.
Avoid holiday car hassles: match your courtesy car to your motoring needs
Planning a holiday road trip? Your motor policy’s courtesy or hire car might not match your usual ride.
The “White Pages” directory scammers find a way to blacklist their victims
The “White Pages” directory scammers find a way to blacklist their victims
An important warning for those booking overseas accommodation via booking.com
An important warning for those booking overseas accommodation via booking.com
Don’t go looking for weight loss products in all the wrong places
Don’t go looking for weight loss products in all the wrong places
Never stop paying an account in protest
Never stop paying an account in protest: you don’t punish them, you punish yourself
Don’t wreck your chances of a successful homeowners’ insurance claim
Don’t wreck your chances of a successful homeowners’ insurance claim
What to ask before you buy in an estate, duplex or block of flats
What to ask before you buy in an estate, duplex or block of flats
Not all “bubbly” is created equal
If the bubbly on the shelf or in an ad seems like a bargain it could be a wine’s estate’s sparkling wine, rather than MCC - Méthode Cap Classique, which is South Africa’s version of champagne.
Beware the great pretenders
I get a lot of heartbreaking emails from people who have fallen victim to vishing - bank fraud carried out over the phone.