From till slips to trip tricks: Watch your back, Mzansi

1. When the price scans wrong, it pays to know what you’re entitled to

Always check your till slip to ensure that the products scan at the same price at the till point as it is displayed on the shelf.

Pricing errors happen, and you’re legally entitled to the lower shelf price. Two stores offer shoppers compensation when that happens. Pick n Pay offers “Double the Difference” if an item scans higher. But be warned, their policy excludes promotional items, and that's where a lot of the discrepancies happen.

Woolworths will give you the wrong-scan item free, and other identical ones at a lower price. 

Checkers and Shoprite stores honour the lowest price, but that’s it.

2. Check the right reviews before booking your trip

UK consumer watchdog Which? warns about misleading reviews on Booking.com. 

A holiday let in Podgorica, Montenegro, may show a “pleasant” 6.4 rating with positive reviews labelled “superb” or “good.” But Booking.com defaults to “most relevant” reviews, hiding critical ones. 

Switch to “newest” to reveal the truth—recent reviews call it a “scam” or “nightmare.” 

Always adjust review settings to see the latest feedback, dig deeper for honest opinions, and avoid being misled by curated ratings. Check multiple platforms for a clearer picture before booking to ensure a hassle-free holiday.

3. 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. 

They trick people who aren’t over-indebted into debt review, a legal process meant only for those unable to pay their debts. Victims sign the so-called Form 16 unknowingly, thereby losing control of their accounts. Regaining control is usually an expensive, time-consuming process.

Avoid unsolicited calls, especially ones about your personal finances, and don’t sign documents hastily. Report scams to the NCR at [email protected].

4. Steer clear of travel scams with these 10 questions

Don’t let rogue travel agents ruin your holiday! Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services suggests asking these questions before paying:

• Are you registered with the Association of Southern African Travel Agents (ASATA)?

• Can I see your CIPC number and address?

• Do you have a tax clearance and insurance?

• Can you share client references?

• Can I verify bookings directly?

• What’s your refund policy, and can I have that in writing?

• Is the payment account in the company’s name? (A personal bank account is a ref flag.)

• Will I get an invoice and proof fast?

• Are your third-party suppliers verified?

• Are you willing to meet or do a video call?

Also, never pay in full up front; opt for structured payments. Insist on traceable communication via email or WhatsApp.

5. Ensure your car insurance covers theft with updated tracking

Don’t assume your car insurance fully covers theft or hijacking. 

Insurers like Santam may require extra tracking devices for high-risk vehicles, like Pinky Buthelezi’s Toyota Fortuner. She missed emails and an SMS about needing a second tracker, losing theft cover without noticing-her premium barely dropped! 

Always check policy updates, especially in high-crime areas like Gauteng. Contact your insurer or broker to confirm tracking requirements for your vehicle. Install and maintain approved devices to avoid claim rejections. Regularly review emails and policy schedules to stay compliant and keep your cover intact.

Listen to more Consumer Hacks below:

Contact Wendy Knowler:

Get in touch with Wendy via her website or her Facebook page. Please note that Wendy is not able to personally respond to every email she receives. If she can take up your case, she will contact you directly. 

Here are other avenues for you to consider.