Scammers and fraudsters employ deceptive tactics, often impersonating legitimate entities, to gain money, data, or personal information, using methods like phishing, social engineering, and  AI-generated content.

Here are the 9 major SCAMS targeting South Africans:

1. Impersonation of Government Agencies:

Scammers impersonate SARS or the Department of Home Affairs to solicit personal or financial information, often through emails or SMSs claiming outstanding tax obligations, refunds, or summons. 

2. Phishing Emails and SMSs:

Scammers use fake emails or SMSs that appear to be from legitimate organizations, such as banks or online retailers, to trick people into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. 

3. Online Shopping Scams:

Scammers create fake online stores or use legitimate-looking websites to sell products that don’t exist or are never delivered, often targeting people during the festive season. 

4. Money-Flipping Scams:

Social media accounts promise to double or triple investments through Forex trading, binary options, or offshore property opportunities, but eventually disappear after victims try to withdraw their money. 

5. Stranded Scams:

Scammers create fabricated emergencies, posing as distressed family members or friends in urgent need of financial assistance, and coerce victims into sending money through untraceable methods. 

6. Remote Access Scams:

Scammers try to access your cellphone or laptop device through remote access tools, claiming to be your internet or financial service provider and asking for access to your device. 

7. Loan Scams:

Scammers offer guaranteed loans with short turnaround times and special discounts, but then require upfront administrative or insurance fees, often impersonating legitimate institutions. 

8. Card Swopping:

Fraudsters offer assistance at ATMs to distract you, swop your card, or use a trapping device to steal your card. 

9. Porting Cell Number/ Sim Swops:

A fraudster, pretending to be you, calls your cell phone service provider and asks for a new SIM card or to transfer your number – also called “porting” – to a new service provider. 

How to Stay Safe:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, SMSs, or phone calls:

Don’t click on suspicious links or provide personal information unless you are certain the source is legitimate. 

• Verify information:

Before acting on any request, especially those involving money or personal information, contact the organization directly through their official channels to verify the request. 

• Don’t share sensitive information:

Never share your bank account details, passwords, or OTPs (one-time passwords) with anyone, especially over the phone or in response to unsolicited requests. 

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication:

This helps protect your accounts from unauthorized access. 

• Be cautious of “too good to be true” offers:

Scammers often use high-pressure tactics and promises of quick riches to lure victims. 

• Don’t accept help from strangers at ATMs:

Never let anyone distract you while you are at an ATM or provide them with access to your card. 

• Report suspicious activity:

If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the relevant authorities, such as your bank or the South African Police Service (SAPS).