Scams don’t always make themselves obvious. They sneak into our lives through familiar apps, trusted WhatsApp groups, or what seems like a genuine conversation. I’ve seen it far too many times in our local communities — Germiston, Alberton, and beyond. People like you, hardworking and honest, falling prey to people who exploit trust for their own gain. And if you're reading this because you've been scammed, I want to first say that you are not alone.

At Local Reviews, we’re more than just a business directory. We’re here to create a space built on trust, and that includes helping our community get back on their feet when things go wrong. So if you've been scammed, here’s what you can do right now, even if it feels like you’re standing in a place of defeat.

First things first, take a moment. I know it's hard, but try to collect every bit of information you can. The scammers thrive on confusion and rush. Get the screenshots of your conversations, payment confirmations, any names, phone numbers, or details that can give you clarity. If the scam happened through a specific platform like Facebook or WhatsApp, make sure you have that documented too. These details could be vital in helping authorities understand the full picture.

The next step is something I know a lot of people feel hesitant about — reporting it. But here’s the thing: you have power. If you’ve lost money, or worse, trust, reporting is the first way to regain it. Start with your bank. If the payment was recent, they may be able to stop or trace the transaction. After that, don’t hesitate to report the scam to the South African Police Service (SAPS). They’ve seen it all, and while it may seem like a lot of effort, it could save others. Also, make sure you report it to the South African Fraud Prevention Service and the Cybercrime Division. You might feel like a small voice in a big system, but your report could trigger an investigation that prevents a bigger scam in the future.

And then there’s the community side of it. Don’t suffer in silence. So many people who’ve been scammed stay quiet, out of shame or fear of being judged. But that’s exactly what the scammers want. They want you to keep quiet. When you speak up, you shine a light on the fraud and protect others. At Local Reviews, we’re proud to say that our platform isn’t just about business verification. It’s about creating a space where we share stories, learn from them, and move forward together. And if you're not comfortable sharing your experience publicly, reach out to us privately — your story could protect countless others from falling into the same trap.

If you’ve been scammed, it can be tempting to give up on buying or selling online altogether. But that’s not the answer. I know it feels like you’ve been betrayed, but don’t let that keep you from trusting good businesses or local sellers. What we’ve done here at Local Reviews is create a community where business verification matters, where you don’t have to wonder whether someone is real or a fraud. If you’re a legitimate seller, we want to verify you. If you're looking to make a purchase, take the extra step and check whether the business you're dealing with is verified.

Losing money or trust in people feels like a punch in the gut, but I want to remind you of something important: you are stronger than this. Scams can take your money, but they can’t take your ability to stand up and fight back. We’re here to help you do just that.

So, if you've been scammed, don’t stay quiet. Report it. Share it. Get the help you need. And most importantly, don’t let it take away your confidence. Trust can be restored, and together, we can make sure that our community stays safe and scam-free.

If you need help, or want to share your experience, don’t hesitate to reach out. You don’t have to fight this battle alone.