In South Africa, scams are becoming more common, and con artists are adopting a variety of tactics to fool unsuspecting people. It’s critical to act and denounce these con artists, regardless of whether they are phishing emails, online retail scams, or fraudulent investment schemes. By doing this, you help keep others from becoming victims in addition to protecting yourself.
Identify the Scam
Before reporting a scam, it’s essential to confirm that you’re dealing with a fraudulent activity. Some common scams in South Africa include:
- Phishing scams – Fraudulent emails, SMS, or phone calls trying to steal your personal details.
- Online shopping scams – Fake e-commerce stores that take money without delivering goods.
- Investment scams – Ponzi schemes or fake cryptocurrency investments.
- Job scams – Fake job offers requiring upfront payments.
- Loan scams – Scammers promising loans in exchange for upfront fees.
If you suspect fraud, gather as much evidence as possible, including screenshots, emails, bank statements, or messages.
Report to the South African Police Service (SAPS)
The first step is to report the scam to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Here’s how:
- Visit your nearest police station.
- Provide all relevant details, including evidence of the scam.
- Request a case number, which will be useful for follow-ups.
For urgent financial fraud cases, SAPS may collaborate with banks to stop fraudulent transactions.
Report to the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS)
The SAFPS is a key organization that helps protect individuals from fraud. You can report a scam by:
- Visiting www.safps.org.za
- Calling 011 867 2234
- Emailing fraud@safps.org.za
The SAFPS helps prevent identity theft and can add you to their fraud warning system.
Notify Your Bank Immediately
If you’ve been scammed through a bank transaction, contact your bank as soon as possible. Most banks have fraud departments that can freeze accounts, investigate fraudulent transactions, and assist in recovering lost money.
Here are customer fraud hotlines for major banks:
- Absa: 0860 557 557
- FNB: 087 575 9444
- Standard Bank: 0800 020 600
- Nedbank: 0800 110 929
- Capitec: 0860 10 20 43
Report Online Scams to the Cybercrime Unit
For internet-related scams, report the issue to South Africa’s Cybercrime Unit via the SAPS Cybercrime Division or:
- The Film and Publication Board (FPB) at www.fpb.org.za
- The Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) at www.ispa.org.za
You can also report scams on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp by using their built-in reporting tools.
Alert the National Consumer Commission (NCC)
If you were scammed by a fraudulent business, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC):
- Visit www.thencc.gov.za
- Call 012 428 7000
- Email complaints@thencc.org.za
The NCC helps consumers get redress for fraudulent business practices.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers
- Verify before you pay: Always research before making payments online.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Never share personal or banking details with strangers.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, avoid it.