AdUncovered helps you check an online seller, advert or offer before you pay, or after you’ve paid and something doesn’t feel right. We research the public evidence and give you a clear, source-linked report, so you can make your own informed decision.
Why AdUncovered exists
Our founder watched too many older people lose their life savings and pensions to online scams. Then came the flood of fake job offers, and the scammers started making approaches personally, assuming they’d found an easy target.
So the founder first built a research tool for personal use, then shared it with family and friends. It worked so well that it deserved a wider audience.
The public version, AdUncovered, was built from late September 2026, deliberately timed to be ready before the festive season and Black Friday, when online shopping, and the scams that come with it, are at their busiest.
Who is behind it
AdUncovered was founded and built by an IT professional with more than 40 years of experience, from punch cards to generative AI.
That career started in low-level programming and grew across 28 programming languages, systems and business analysis, project management, test automation, UI and UX design, and agile coaching. It also included years of training technical teams. The best part was always the light-bulb moment when a new idea finally clicks.
Along the way, the founder spent two decades in IT at four of South Africa’s largest banks, and nearly two decades across the integrated justice chain: SAPS, the NPA, the Department of Justice, the Integrated Justice System and the Department of Correctional Services. That’s a rare view of fraud from both sides: how it reaches people’s money, and what happens once a case enters the justice system. Work across Africa, Europe and the USA showed the same truth everywhere: scams are the same problem, just dressed in different wrapping.
The founder also holds a Harvard FinTech certificate, and keeps studying and learning. That’s exactly why AdUncovered was built in-house rather than bought off the shelf.
AdUncovered is an independent service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of any bank, government department or law-enforcement agency.
Why our reports give no verdict
Software can gather and organise evidence quickly and thoroughly. Deciding whether something is a scam, though, takes human judgement. And laws differ from country to country, so something treated as fraud in one place may not be elsewhere.
So we don’t say “safe” or “scam.” Instead, every report shows what the public evidence says, where it comes from, and what couldn’t be checked. You know your own situation and country, so the final decision stays with you.
Independent by design
- We take no money from the businesses, platforms or sellers we research.
- We run no adverts and earn no affiliate commissions.
- Your report is private to you. It’s only viewed internally when needed for limited quality checks.
Who we help
Everyday online shoppers, older people and the families looking out for them, and small businesses checking a new supplier or buyer, in South Africa and around the world.
Already paid and worried? Contact your bank straight away, keep every message, receipt and link, and report the matter to the police. In South Africa, you can report fraud at your nearest police station or through the South African Police Service. Elsewhere, contact your local police or national fraud reporting service.
One piece of advice
Sending money to someone you’ve never met face to face is a gamble, and the only sure winner is the person receiving it, who owes you nothing in return.
Not sure about an offer? Run a free Quick Check or see our report options.
AdUncovered is operated by Sweet Muse (Pty) Ltd, South Africa. Contact: support@aduncovered.com
