Online Engine Scams Put South African Motorists on Alert

South African motorists searching online for replacement engines and gearboxes are being urged to exercise caution, as fraudsters continue to create convincing fake businesses designed to steal money from unsuspecting buyers.

The Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says scammers are setting up professional-looking websites, social media pages and online advertisements that appear to belong to legitimate automotive parts suppliers. In some cases, the criminals even use the real addresses of established workshops to make their operations appear genuine.

One such case involved Teresa Spenser Higgs, MIWA Regional Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Cape and manager of D & T Servicing. She discovered that her workshop's address had been used on a fraudulent website advertising engines and gearboxes for sale.

The scam came to light when members of the public arrived at her premises expecting to inspect parts they believed had been advertised by the business. Fortunately, some of the prospective buyers had not yet transferred any money. However, the incident raised concerns that others may already have paid fraudsters without receiving any parts in return.

After investigating further, Spenser Higgs uncovered several similar websites operating in much the same way. Many of these fake businesses use polished websites, sponsored social media posts and convincing online profiles, making them difficult for consumers to identify as scams.

MIWA National Director Pieter Niemand said the organisation is still assessing how widespread the problem is beyond the Eastern Cape, but described the trend as deeply concerning, particularly as more motorists seek affordable second-hand parts to keep older vehicles on the road.

According to Niemand, purchasing a quality used engine or gearbox from a reputable supplier remains a sensible and legitimate option. The real danger arises when criminals exploit motorists who are under financial pressure and searching for affordable repair solutions. Once payment has been made, the fraudulent seller often disappears without delivering the promised parts.

MIWA warns consumers not to judge a business solely by its online appearance. A professional website, Facebook page or sponsored advertisement does not guarantee that a supplier is genuine. Fraudsters have become increasingly sophisticated and understand how to create highly credible digital storefronts.

Before making any payment, motorists are advised to verify that a supplier is a legitimate trading business, confirm contact details through independent sources and ensure the company genuinely operates from the advertised address. Even a legitimate-looking physical address should not be accepted as proof, as scammers may use the details of existing workshops without permission.

Where possible, buyers should inspect the engine or gearbox in person at a verified location. If travelling is not practical, requesting a live video inspection may provide additional reassurance, although caution should still be exercised. Consumers should also look for independent customer reviews, request a formal invoice that includes company registration details and be wary of suppliers who provide only a cellphone number as their contact information.

The association further advises motorists to avoid paying the full purchase price upfront, particularly when an offer appears significantly cheaper than comparable products on the market. While no single precaution can eliminate all risk, taking the time to verify a supplier can greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of fraud.

Niemand said motorists should never allow urgency or the promise of a bargain to override sound judgement. Asking questions, trusting instincts and walking away from suspicious transactions remain some of the best ways to avoid costly scams. Choosing an established workshop or reputable parts supplier may cost slightly more initially, but it can prevent far greater financial losses in the long run.