Official press release · Fraud alert · 13 November 2026
Public warning: scammers impersonating SMT Auction Group
Fraudulent individuals and syndicates are falsely representing themselves as SMT Auction Group, offering trucks, vehicles and construction equipment at heavily reduced prices. These offers are not authorised by SMT Auction Group.
We only sell on auction. If in doubt, do not pay — contact us first.
In some cases, buyers are asked to pay 50% of the supposed purchase price, plus an additional deposit of approximately R3 000, with promises that the vehicle will be released and delivered within 12 to 24 hours.
How SMT Auction Group sells
- We sell trucks, vehicles, machinery and construction equipment ONLY through our official auctions.
- We do NOT sell vehicles privately or “out of hand”, and we do NOT remove vehicles from auction to accommodate private purchases.
- We NEVER offer special deals involving 50% discounts or guaranteed purchases outside the auction process.
- Auction registration deposits are only requested as part of an official auction. We do NOT request deposits to reserve or secure vehicles outside an auction.
- All legitimate payments go directly into SMT Auction Group’s official bank account. We will NEVER ask you to pay into a personal or third-party account.
Warning signs of a scam
- A truck or machine offered far below its value — e.g. a R500 000 truck for R100 000.
- Being asked to pay 50% of the price upfront, plus a “deposit” of around R3 000.
- Promises the vehicle will be released or delivered within 12 to 24 hours.
- Pressure to pay immediately because the “offer expires” soon.
- Banking details for a personal or third-party account, or sent only via WhatsApp.
Before you make any payment
Always request an official SMT Auction Group bank confirmation letter, and verify the banking details independently by phoning our management or administration team on the numbers below — not numbers given to you in a message. Do not be pressured into paying immediately: scammers create urgency by claiming an offer expires within 12 or 24 hours.
Approached by someone — or already paid?
- Do not pay. Stop all communication with the person.
- Keep everything: WhatsApp chats, invoices, banking details and any proof of payment.
- If you’ve already paid, contact your bank’s fraud department immediately.
- Report the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
- Let us know using the official contact details below, so we can warn others.
Our official contact details
Only trust these numbers. Call to verify any offer, invoice or banking details.
SMT Auction Group takes these fraudulent activities seriously. We remain committed to protecting our customers and maintaining a transparent and professional auction environment.
SMT Auction Group · Buy Smart. Sell Smart. Auction Smart. · Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor