Consumer Hacks with Wendy Knowler

Here’s Janet’s question to me: “I bought a pair of trainers on an online sale about 5 days ago. On delivery day I tried on and them to be too tight across my foot. I have been told I can’t return them because they were a sale item. I'm very unhappy about this and would like a full refund from the company. I don't think that this is the way to treat a return customer.” Is she entitled to one? Gold...

When companies want you to know they've improved a product, they shout it on the front of the pack. When they'd rather you didn't notice, they quietly adjust the ingredients list. Haleon chose the stealthy route with Aquafresh, reformulating it from October last year with no front-of-pack disclosure whatsoever. The result: a runnier, less frothy toothpaste that doesn't hold its shape on the brush....

Not all bank rewards programmes deliver what their advertising implies. Banking customers have to read the fine print if they want to get higher rewards on fuel spend. Many programmes require you to opt in, meet minimum spend thresholds, or pay with a specific card at specific fuel stations. Simply having the card is not enough. Log into your banking app, find the rewards section, and check exactl...

An online retailer called Online Car Parts allegedly ignored the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, moved premises, and left consumers with incorrect parts or no refunds. This case is a textbook warning about buying from unfamiliar online retailers. Before purchasing from any online store you don't recognise, Google the business name alongside the word "complaint" or "scam." Check whether they're...

Don't let airlines and their baggage handling partners fob you off with a pittance when their baggage handling partners damage your luggage. South African airlines often limit compensation using outdated international conventions, ignoring the Consumer Protection Act's protections. But the CPA entitles you to fair compensation for damaged goods - and that includes your baggage. Document the damage...

Wendy Knowler unpacks the insurance blind spots many South Africans overlook. From smartphones and laptops to prescription glasses and solar installations, she explains why standard home contents cover may not protect your valuables outside the home — and what consumers should review before discovering costly gaps during a claim.

Wendy Knowler warns motorists about contaminated diesel reportedly reaching fuel stations in KZN. With concerns over diesel being mixed with paraffin and the risk of costly engine damage, Wendy shares practical consumer advice — avoid suspiciously cheap fuel, choose trusted branded stations and always keep your fuel receipt as proof if something goes wrong. Learn how to protect your car from dirty...

Wendy Knowler examines the rise of 48-month cellphone contracts in South Africa and the hidden costs behind lower monthly payments. With phone warranties often ending long before the contract does, consumers could face years of repayments on faulty devices. Wendy explores the risks of long-term cellphone contracts, early cancellation fees and consumer rights before signing.

Wendy Knowler shares new South African shopping trends revealed by payment gateway STITCH. From payday spending habits and the rise of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to the growing popularity of platforms like Temu and Shein, these insights reveal how consumers are shopping online and in-store in 2026.

Wendy Knowler unpacks the growing threat of Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud after a South African man lost nearly R80,000 to scammers posing as a trusted supplier. With courts placing responsibility on the payer, Wendy shares essential fraud prevention tips — including verifying banking details before making payments. Learn how to protect yourself from invoice scams, payment fraud and online...

Buying a car is one of the biggest financial commitments you'll make, so go in with your eyes open. Loan terms typically run 60 to 72 months — a longer term lowers your monthly instalment but significantly increases what you repay overall. Always ask for the total repayment figure, not just the monthly number. Missing payments damages your credit record, and early settlement may carry costs. Cruci...

When buying a used car, service history isn't just a nice-to-have - it can make or break a warranty claim. Durk bought a Nissan Qashqai with an extended warranty and over time paid R21,000 in premiums, only to have his claim rejected because the previous owner had missed the very first scheduled service, invalidating the warranty from day one. When taking out the policy, he'd answered "yes" to the...

Fezile had money in his Capitec account - or so he thought. On three occasions since last August, his Telkom debit order went unmet, costing him bank fees, Telkom penalty fees, and a dent in his credit record. When I took up his case with Capitec, the bank explained the crucial distinction: your balance doesn't account for pending transactions, but your available balance does — and that's what deb...

Scammers are banking on the fact that while you've been trained to distrust links, you're far less suspicious of QR codes – we are used to scanning them without a second thought. The latest form of bank scam is "quishing" — fake QR codes sent via email or messaging apps that, when scanned, direct you to a fraudulent website engineered to steal your login credentials. The rule is simple: never scan...

In South Africa, fully understanding your insurance policy isn't just good sense — it's your legal right. So, to avoid heartbreak at claim stage, ask these five questions before signing: 1.What exactly am I covered for? 2. What is excluded? Read carefully, because exclusions are often buried in technical language after pages of benefits. 3. What excess will I pay? An affordable-looking premium mea...

Wendy Knowler is back with the kind of advice your wallet has been waiting for. Keep your receipts, check what your cellphone insurance actually covers, know what to say when telemarketers call and yes, you can get that bottle deposit back in cash. Small things. Big difference.

Wendy Knowler breaks down the things brands, banks, and scammers are counting on you not knowing — from new labeling rules that expose what's really in your food, to the cancellation clause that could cost you your entire wedding deposit, to the sophisticated scams now targeting everyday South Africans. Knowledge is your only protection.

From toxic cookware to exploding airbags, Wendy Knowler breaks down the everyday risks most people never see coming. This one's worth your time.

Wendy Knowler unpacks five costly consumer mistakes to avoid. From how buying through third-party sellers can jeopardise your warranty to why purchasing a car entirely online is risky. She also explains the truth about voucher validity, your rights when a lay-by goes wrong, and an important vehicle recall affecting Land Rover Defenders. Smart advice to help you protect your money and your rights.

Wendy Knowler unpacks five critical consumer lessons that could save you money and stress. From why skipping a home inspection can cost you dearly to the importance of cancelling accounts in writing. She also explores the truth behind diamond pricing, your legal right to return online purchases, even on sale, and why companies can’t silence you for telling the truth. Practical advice to help you p...

Wendy Knowler shares five lesser-known consumer insights that could save you money. From why short trips use more fuel to how a “Dunning Lock” can protect your utilities during disputes. She also exposes a common repossessed car scam, reveals how to decode misleading food labels, and shares a butcher’s tip about marinated meats. Practical advice to help you avoid overpaying and make smarter choice...

Wendy Knowler breaks down five simple but costly mistakes many consumers make without realising it. From a phone setting that could expose your bank OTPs to silent contract renewals, risky online pharmacy sites, and your rights when returning goods. Plus, a smart travel tip that could save you money if your luggage is damaged. Practical advice to help you protect your money and stay one step ahead...

Wendy Knowler unpacks five common ways consumers lose money without realising it, from forgotten subscriptions and hidden bank charges to misleading car safety ratings. She also shares a simple credit score hack and explains your rights if you lose a gift voucher. Practical advice to help you stop the leaks and take back control of your finances.

Wendy Knowler unpacks the latest consumer traps to watch out for. From a fake Woolworths meat box scam spreading on Facebook to hidden rental admin fees and insurance claims rejected over small details. She also explains how search engine ads can send you to the wrong business online and why romance scammers often play the long game. Practical tips to help you protect your money and avoid costly m...

Find out how to improve your credit score simply by managing your card limit wisely, why lay-by might be your smartest shopping tool right now, and what to look for before buying an air fryer.