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How to spot rent-to-own scams
Short answer
The biggest warning signs are: a fee before you see a contract, a price too low to be true, no physical address or company registration, pressure to pay quickly, and no written full price. Legitimate providers show who they are, assess affordability and let you read the contract before you pay.
Warning signs
- Pay first, approval later. Real providers approve first.
- Too cheap. A new car for R1,500 a month all-in doesn’t exist in 2026. See what budgets really get.
- No company details: no registration number, address or landline.
- WhatsApp-only, no website, or a website that copies a known brand.
- No contract or full price in writing.
How to check a provider
- Search the company name + “reviews” and “HelloPeter”
- Check the CIPC registration
- Ask for the contract before paying anything
YeboAuto shows the full price of every vehicle on the website before you apply.
Questions drivers ask
Should I pay an “admin fee” to be approved?
Never pay to be approved. Deposits are paid after approval, against a signed contract.