Consumer Hacks with Wendy Knowler

Looking for a service provider to come to your home? Google is not your friend 03.07.2025 0:56 ↓

Looking for a service provider to come to your home? Google is not your friend

Steer clear of cellphone roaming bill shocks 03.07.2025 0:53 ↓

Steer clear of cellphone roaming bill shocks

Your new cellphone number could well have had a dodgy past 27.06.2025 0:53 ↓

Your new cellphone number could well have had a dodgy past.

Investment schemes - so much fakery to navigate 27.06.2025 0:50 ↓

Deepfake videos and fake WhatsApp groups are increasingly targeting consumers, with scammers impersonating figures such as retired businessman Laurie Dippenaar, Elon Musk, and Patrice Motsepe to lure investors.

Do you have to take that after-market warranty when buying a car? 19.06.2025 0:53 ↓

Don’t be fooled by a car salesman into thinking that you have to pay for a so-called after-market warranty when buying a car that no longer has the manufacturer’s warranty.

Cellphone contracts 13.06.2025 0:43 ↓

No, there’s nothing stopping cellphone networks from increasing subscription fees on existing contracts.

Beware the balloon payment trap in car financing 06.06.2025 0:49 ↓

Balloon payments may seem appealing when financing a car, but the choice often backfires on the car buyer years later.

Steer clear of travel scams with these 10 questions 30.05.2025 0:51 ↓

Steer clear of travel scams with these 10 questions

Beware debt counselling call centre scams 29.05.2025 0:54 ↓

Debt counselling scams are rampant in South Africa. Call centres, often linked to registered debt counsellors, cold-call consumers, falsely promising reduced interest rates or debt write-offs.

Only pre-paid vouchers must legally be valid for at least three years 29.05.2025 1:03 ↓

Only pre-paid vouchers must legally be valid for at least three years

How to protect yourself against rogue tenants 22.05.2025 0:58 ↓

Landlords, don’t let your tenant’s failure to pay your rent derail your finances; insure yourself against the potentially high cost of loss of rental and tenant eviction.

Dodge visa drama: double-check your travel agent’s advice 22.05.2025 0:43 ↓

Dodge visa drama: double-check your travel agent’s advice

Beware of sneaky formula marketing on social media 15.05.2025 1:01 ↓

The WHO and UNICEF are urging local regulators to update South Africa’s Regulations Relating to Foodstuffs for Infants and Young Children to tackle the marketing of formula on social media.

Avoid holiday car hassles: match your courtesy car to your motoring needs 08.05.2025 0:43 ↓

Planning a holiday road trip? Your motor policy’s courtesy or hire car might not match your usual ride.

The “White Pages” directory scammers find a way to blacklist their victims 18.12.2024 0:56 ↓

The “White Pages” directory scammers find a way to blacklist their victims

An important warning for those booking overseas accommodation via booking.com 18.12.2024 0:57 ↓

An important warning for those booking overseas accommodation via booking.com

Don’t go looking for weight loss products in all the wrong places 09.12.2024 0:56 ↓

Don’t go looking for weight loss products in all the wrong places

Never stop paying an account in protest 02.12.2024 0:45 ↓

Never stop paying an account in protest: you don’t punish them, you punish yourself

Don’t wreck your chances of a successful homeowners’ insurance claim 19.11.2024 0:32 ↓

Don’t wreck your chances of a successful homeowners’ insurance claim

What to ask before you buy in an estate, duplex or block of flats 13.11.2024 0:47 ↓

What to ask before you buy in an estate, duplex or block of flats

Not all “bubbly” is created equal 06.11.2024 0:52 ↓

If the bubbly on the shelf or in an ad seems like a bargain it could be a wine’s estate’s sparkling wine, rather than MCC - Méthode Cap Classique, which is South Africa’s version of champagne.

Beware the great pretenders 05.11.2024 0:58 ↓

I get a lot of heartbreaking emails from people who have fallen victim to vishing - bank fraud carried out over the phone.

Don’t swipe your card at the toll plazas 27.09.2024 0:46 ↓

Don’t swipe your card at the toll plazas

Is your i20 peeling? 25.09.2024 0:53 ↓

Is your i20 peeling?

No, it’s not your lucky day; it’s a procurement scam 20.09.2024 0:48 ↓

No, it’s not your lucky day; it’s a procurement scam