Fraud Protection Guide

Don't Fall Victim to Container Scams

The container industry is plagued with scams, fake sellers, and fraudulent schemes. Learn how to protect yourself and buy safely from verified, trusted suppliers.

⚠️ Critical Warning

Scammers are using AI-generated images, fake testimonials, and stolen company information to create convincing fake container businesses. Don't send money without proper verification.

Fraud protection and security measures
Scam Alert
Stay Vigilant
L'Origine
Verified Safe
42%
of online container buyers
report encountering fraudulent sellers
R2.5M+
lost annually
to container scams in South Africa
0
fraud incidents
with L'Origine verified partners

Common Container Scams

Learn to recognize these fraudulent schemes that have cost South African buyers millions. Knowledge is your first line of defense.

Fake Payment Demands

Scammers demand full payment upfront via untraceable methods like Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers before showing any real containers.

🚩 Red Flags:

Demands immediate payment
Only accepts untraceable payment methods
Refuses escrow or secure payment
Pressures you to 'act fast'
Reality Check:

Legitimate sellers offer payment terms and accept secure methods

AI-Generated Fake Photos

Advanced scammers now use AI to create realistic container photos and fake business premises that don't actually exist.

🚩 Red Flags:

Photos look too perfect or generic
Same photos used across multiple listings
Refuses video calls or live photos
Won't show containers with your name/date
Reality Check:

We provide time-stamped photos with your name visible

Fake Business Addresses

Scammers use real business addresses or create fake offices to appear legitimate, often stealing established company information.

🚩 Red Flags:

Address doesn't match phone area code
Google Street View shows different business
No physical presence verification
Refuses in-person meetings
Reality Check:

Visit our verified depot locations or arrange video inspections

Social Media Marketplace Scams

Facebook Marketplace and other platforms are flooded with fake container listings designed to steal deposits and personal information.

🚩 Red Flags:

Newly created social media profiles
Limited or fake reviews
Asks for personal financial information
Deals seem too good to be true
Reality Check:

Check our established Facebook presence and verified reviews

Deposit & Disappear

Criminals take deposits for containers that don't exist, then disappear or create excuses for delays while keeping your money.

🚩 Red Flags:

Requires large deposits for 'reservation'
Provides excuses after payment
No valid business registration
Avoids providing proper invoices
Reality Check:

We provide proper contracts and business documentation

Fake Customer Service

Sophisticated scams include fake customer service numbers and email addresses that appear professional but lead nowhere.

🚩 Red Flags:

Phone numbers that go to voicemail only
Generic email addresses (@gmail, etc.)
No real business hours or contact person
Inconsistent communication
Reality Check:

Call our verified number and speak directly with Sandrine

Universal Warning Signs

If a container seller exhibits any of these warning signs, proceed with extreme caution or find an alternative supplier.

Prices significantly below market value
Urgent pressure tactics or 'limited time' offers
Poor grammar or spelling in communications
Requests for unusual payment methods
Reluctance to provide business documentation
No physical address or phone verification
Stolen or generic website content
No proper business registration details

Remember: If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. It's better to walk away than lose your money.

Call us to verify any suspicious activity: 083 266 1140

How We Protect You

Our comprehensive protection measures ensure you're dealing with a legitimate, reliable container supplier. Here's what sets us apart from scammers.

Verified Business Identity

Full business registration with CIPC, physical address verification, and established trading history

CIPC registration number available
Verified physical business address
Established trading since foundation
1400+ verified customer testimonials

Photo Documentation

Every container photographed with time stamps and your reference information before delivery

High-resolution container photos
Time-stamped with current date
Your name/reference visible
Multiple angles including damage areas

Legal Documentation

Proper contracts, invoices, and business documentation for every transaction

Formal purchase agreements
VAT-compliant invoicing
Detailed condition reports
Transport documentation

Quality Guarantees

Satisfaction guarantee with replacement policy if containers don't meet specified conditions

Satisfaction or replacement guarantee
Pre-delivery quality inspection
ISO compliance certification
Structural integrity verification

Vetted Partner Network

We protect you from substandard service providers by only working with pre-screened, verified partners for transport and conversions.

Transport Partners

All transport companies are pre-screened and verified

Valid transport licenses
Insurance coverage verification
Track record of reliable delivery
Customer feedback monitoring

Conversion Partners

Vetted conversion companies with proven quality standards

Business registration verification
Portfolio of completed projects
Customer reference checks
Quality workmanship standards

Verify Our Legitimacy

Don't take our word for it. Use these methods to verify we're a legitimate, established business before making any commitments.

Phone Verification

Call our verified business number and speak directly with Sandrine

Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 8AM-2PM
Call Now

WhatsApp Verification

Message our verified WhatsApp business account

24/7 messaging
Message Us

Social Media Check

View our established Facebook presence with real customer interactions

Expert service since establishment
View Facebook

Pro Tip: Legitimate businesses welcome verification. If a seller discourages you from checking them out, that's a major red flag.

Your Safety Checklist

Follow this comprehensive checklist to protect yourself when buying containers. Print it out and check off each item before making any payments.

1

Verify Business Legitimacy

✅ DO

Check business registration with CIPC
Verify physical address exists
Look up established online presence
Read reviews from multiple sources

❌ DON'T

Accept only social media presence
Skip business registration verification
Ignore lack of physical address
Trust only website testimonials
2

Validate Container Authenticity

✅ DO

Request time-stamped photos with your name
Ask for multiple angles including damage
Verify container serial numbers
Insist on video inspection if possible

❌ DON'T

Accept generic stock photos
Skip photo verification process
Trust 'containers look similar' excuses
Proceed without seeing actual units
3

Secure Payment Process

✅ DO

Use secure payment methods with protection
Request proper invoices and contracts
Pay only reasonable deposits (max 25%)
Keep all payment documentation

❌ DON'T

Send full payment upfront
Use untraceable payment methods
Accept requests for gift cards/crypto
Skip proper documentation
4

Arrange Safe Delivery

✅ DO

Verify transport company credentials
Get delivery timeline in writing
Arrange site inspection if possible
Confirm insurance coverage

❌ DON'T

Accept vague delivery promises
Skip transport verification
Ignore insurance requirements
Assume everything is included

🚩 Red Flags Checklist

If ANY of these red flags apply to your potential seller, do NOT proceed with the transaction. Find an alternative supplier immediately.

Seller demands immediate payment without inspection
Prices are significantly below market rates
No proper business documentation provided
Refuses phone calls or video communication
Only accepts untraceable payment methods
Generic or AI-generated photos used
Pressures you with 'limited time' offers
Avoids answering specific technical questions
No physical address or depot location
Poor grammar/spelling in communications

⚠️ CRITICAL: Trust Your Instincts

If something feels wrong or too good to be true, it probably is. It's better to miss a deal than lose your money to scammers.

Emergency Contacts

If you suspect fraud or have been scammed, contact these numbers immediately. Quick action can sometimes help recover funds or prevent further damage.

If you've been scammed

SAPS Commercial Crime Unit
10111 (Emergency) or local station
Report online fraud immediately

Banking fraud

Your bank's fraud hotline
Found on your banking app/card
Stop payments and report unauthorized transactions

Verify L'Origine legitimacy

Call us directly
083 266 1140
Speak with Sandrine for verification
Call Now

Get the Complete Safety Guide

Contact us for a complete fraud prevention guide and container buying checklist that you can save and reference during your purchase process.