“How Did That Even Happen?” Man Shows How He Was Scammed After Buying TV in Johannesburg
- A man shares a frustrating experience after realising the television he bought in Johannesburg was actually wood wrapped in black plastic
- The TikTok video captures the moment he explains how he only discovered the truth after getting home and opening the package
- Many South Africans react to the clip with mixed feelings, with some sympathising while others say scams like this are common in big cities
A man’s story sparked a wider conversation online about street scams in Johannesburg, with many viewers warning that unbelievably cheap deals often come with costly lessons.
Source: UGC
A man on TikTok shared a painful lesson after realising he had been scammed while trying to buy a television in Johannesburg. The video was posted by @lawful_harris on 10 March 2026. In the clip, he explained that he bought what he believed was a TV wrapped in black plastic.
Everything looked normal at the time, and the package even had the weight and shape of a television. However, when user @lawful_harris got home and finally opened the package, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment. Instead of a TV, he found pieces of wood wrapped inside the plastic. The man captioned the video:
“Never again got scammed at Johannesburg! 💔”
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Johannesburg is often warned about when it comes to street scams, especially quick sales happening in public spaces or parking lots. Many locals say these deals usually target people who are looking for a bargain. Some users said the situation was unfortunate, while others pointed out that deals that seem too good to be true often turn out to be scams.
Several viewers also shared their own stories of being tricked in similar ways, saying scams like this are still common in busy areas of the city. While the man’s experience ended in frustration, his video now serves as a reminder for others to stay cautious when buying expensive items from strangers.
Source: TikTok
Check out the TikTok post below:
Here’s what netizens said
Onantjie wrote:
“If this is not a prank, I’ll be mad the whole year because what the hell.”
Zaithel wrote:
“I once bought a phone full of dry mud inside. I’ll never heal.”
kgadikgadi wrote:
“At least they delivered.”
Justine asked:
“But does the R70 remote at least work?”
Lilanga wrote:
“What would drive me crazier is the fact that they genuinely took the time to carve that wood out.”
Nokukhanya Khanyo wrote:
“Buy at Game next time.”
M K V asked:
“Didn’t it feel light to you?”
TheTallBeliever wrote:
“At least you have a cutting board.”
Dineo Neo wrote:
“Sometimes going to the shop is a good thing. Sorry about the R1500 you spent.”
ThatoLovestheHoes wrote:
“When you found out it’s Google Cardboard instead of Google TV.”
cheerLeader wrote:
“I once bought a Wahl shaving machine at MTN Tank. When I opened it, there were tiny rocks inside just to make it heavy.”
Lotusflower wrote:
“A TV comes in a box, not wrapped in plastic.”
Nokli wrote:
“Cheap is expensive. Now you’re going to buy another one that’s even more expensive.”
3 Other Briefly New stories related to scams
- Skeem Saam fans are not impressed with actor Katlego Letsholonyane's character, who plays the role of Kgosi, for trying to scam Koloi.
- A survivor, Juliette Bryant, recounted her introduction to Jeffrey Epstein under false modelling pretences in Cape Town scam.
- A Mpumalanga petrol attendant was arrested for allegedly running a card-cloning scam that cost motorists nearly R500,000.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
