How The Route works
The Route is a directory and noticeboard for the Garden Route. Listings are posted by users — businesses, sellers, agents and individuals — and we do not verify each one. We do not hold or process payments. Anything you buy, book or rent through The Route, you arrange directly with the seller or agent.
That makes scams possible. Most listings are real and most people are honest, but scammers do post here. The tips below are how locals stay safe.
🛍️ Buying on the Marketplace
- ✓ See the item in person before you pay. Photos can be stolen, faked, or AI-generated.
- ✓ Meet in public. Mall parking, busy coffee shop, the seller's registered business — not an empty house.
- ✓ Bring someone with you, especially for high-value items. Tell a friend where you're going.
- ✓ Pay on collection. Cash or instant EFT after inspection. Never EFT a deposit before seeing the item.
- ✗ Walk away from anyone who pressures you to pay first. "The courier needs a deposit", "I'm overseas, my friend will collect", "send via crypto" — all classic scams.
- ✗ Never pay via courier reverse-fees. No legitimate seller asks you to pay extra into a courier's holding account.
🏠 Renting or buying property
- ✓ Always view the property physically before sending any money.
- ✓ Verify the agent. Check the agency's official website. Phone the office number listed there — not the one on the listing.
- ✓ Get a signed lease or sale agreement before paying a deposit.
- ✓ Confirm the listing is genuinely from the listed agent by phoning their office. Scammers steal real listings and re-post them.
- ✗ "Owner overseas, send deposit to secure" is always a scam.
- ✗ Reverse image search the photos if the price seems too good — they're often copied from other countries' listings.
- ✗ Never pay holding fees in crypto, gift cards, or via Western Union.
📅 Booking activities or events
- ✓ Book through the operator's own website when in doubt. Check that the URL matches the official one.
- ✓ Use a credit card where possible — chargebacks are your insurance.
- ✗ Be wary of huge discounts that pressure you to pay immediately to lock in.
Report a suspicious listing
Use the "Report" button on any listing you think is a scam. Our moderators review every report. You can also email safety@theroute.co.za.
For active fraud or theft, contact SAPS on 10111. The Route does not recover money on your behalf and we don't mediate disputes between users.