Articles
Guides and awareness pieces on scams affecting South Africans.
SIM Swap Fraud: How It Works and How to Protect Yourself
SIM swap fraud is one of the fastest-growing scams in South Africa. Criminals convince mobile networks to transfer your number to a SIM they control, giving them access to your banking OTPs.
12 March 2026
SARS Phishing Scams: Fake Tax Refund Emails and SMSes
Every year around tax season, scammers impersonate SARS with fake refund notifications. Here's how to spot them and what the real SARS communications look like.
18 February 2026
Sextortion: When Blackmailers Threaten to Share Private Images
Sextortion scammers claim to have compromising photos or videos and demand payment to keep them private. Here's how they operate and how to respond without paying.
5 February 2026
AI Voice Clones and Deepfakes: The New Face of Impersonation Scams
Scammers now use AI to clone voices, generate videos, and create fake endorsements. Learn how to tell what's real and what isn't.
29 January 2026
Tech Support Scams: Pop-Ups, Cold Calls, and Remote Access Theft
Fake tech support scams convince you that your computer is infected and trick you into paying for useless services or handing over remote access.
2 December 2025
Crypto Scams in South Africa: From Mirror Trading to Wallet Drainers
South Africa has been one of the hardest-hit countries for cryptocurrency fraud. From the Africrypt collapse to fake trading bots, here's what you need to know.
4 November 2025
Fake Online Stores: When Cheap Deals Deliver Nothing
Fake online stores advertise popular products at unreal prices. They collect payment, then disappear. Here's how to spot a fake store before you checkout.
7 October 2025
Romance Scams: When Love Becomes a Con
Online dating scams cost South Africans millions each year. Scammers build months-long fake relationships before asking for money. Here's how to recognise the signs.
22 September 2025
Money Mule Job Scams: When a 'Job' Makes You a Criminal
Fraudsters recruit victims as 'financial assistants' or 'payment processors' to move stolen money. The work looks easy, but it's money laundering and can get you arrested.
8 September 2025
5 Warning Signs of Investment Fraud in South Africa
Promised returns of 30%, 50%, or more per month? That's a red flag. Learn the classic signs of investment scams and Ponzi schemes targeting South Africans.
14 August 2025
Rental Scams: Paying Deposits for Properties That Don't Exist
Fake rental listings on Facebook, Gumtree, and property sites steal deposits from desperate tenants. Learn how to verify a listing before you pay.
19 July 2025
Too Good to Be True: Identifying Fake Job Offers
Work-from-home job scams surged post-pandemic. If a job offer requires you to pay for training, equipment, or a background check upfront, it's almost certainly a scam.
30 June 2025
Facebook Marketplace Scams: Fake Proof of Payment and Overpayment Refunds
South Africa's most popular buy-and-sell platform is a hotspot for fraud. Learn how fake proof-of-payment screenshots and overpayment refund scams trick honest sellers.
11 May 2025
Identity Theft: When Scammers Become You
Identity theft in South Africa is used to open loans, take out contracts, and commit fraud in your name. Here's how to protect your personal information.
3 April 2025
Lottery, Inheritance, and Advance-Fee Scams: Paying to Get Money
Scammers promise you a fortune — a lottery win, inheritance, or unclaimed funds — but first you must pay a fee. That fee is how they steal from you.
17 March 2025