Warning: Fake ‘R19 Delivery Fee’ Messages Target Temu and Shein Shoppers

Scammers are using the popularity of Temu and Shein to steal card details. In February 2026, Capitec’s head of financial crime, Nick Harris, warned about text messages claiming a parcel will only be released once an outstanding payment of around R19 is made.

How it works

• The amount is deliberately small, so it seems believable and easy to pay.
• The link leads to a fake payment page, not a courier.
• Card details entered there are used for card-not-present fraud.
• Because many shoppers receive real delivery updates, one fake message is easy to miss among them.

Protect yourself

• Track orders only in the store’s own app or website.
• Never pay a delivery or customs fee through a link in an SMS or WhatsApp message.
• If you paid, contact your bank immediately to block the card.

Read more in our report on courier scams. If a message says your postal code is wrong, check it yourself:

Sources

• WeeTracker: Fraudsters exploit Temu, Shein boom in South Africa (February 2026)