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Every week, South Africans lose thousands to banking scams and phishing messages.
Knowing how to spot the warning signs can protect you and your family.
How Scams Usually Work
Scammers often pretend to be from banks or trusted companies. They might email or SMS you asking to verify personal or banking details. These messages often include links to fake websites that look real, or phone numbers where a “consultant” promises big rewards, but it’s all a trick.
Once you click or respond, your personal information like passwords, ID numbers, or bank card details can be stolen.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
The most important defence is to stay alert. Follow these trusted tips to protect yourself from fraud:
Top Tips to Avoid Scams
- Don’t reply to emails or SMSes asking for banking details — banks will never do this.
- Never share your password, online ID, or PIN — not even with family.
- Don’t write passwords down or save them on your computer or phone.
- Always log out properly from internet banking.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi or Internet cafés for banking.
- Change passwords and PINs regularly.
- Set transaction limits on your account.
- Only buy from trusted online stores.
- If something sounds too good to be true — it probably is.
- Never send money or card details to strangers.
Community Reminder
Fraud and phishing scams don’t just affect individuals; they harm families and entire communities. Talk to elderly relatives and teens about how scams work. Make sure everyone knows the warning signs and what to do.
