South African Phone Scams

June 26, 2024 SAPAC Reporter

South African Phone Scams

Prepared by : Independent
Article Classification: Ways Scammers reach You
Image courtesy: SAPAC Professionals and Contractors

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Areas: Southern Africa, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Cape Winelands, Free State, Gauteng, North West Province, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Natal

South African Phone Scams

Phone scams is annoying - they cost South African millions of rands in losses every year.

1 in 3 reported scams happen by phone. Scammers call, claiming to be from well-known organizations. This includes government organizations, law enforcement, investment, law firms, banks, telecommunication providers, contractor trades people and even other professional service provider.

They make it sound urgent to get to you act quickly. They may try to convince you to give them your personal or bank account details, or remote access to your computer. The caller may already have some details about you, such as your name or address.

Warning signs it might be a scam

Stop and think. It's probably a scam call if the caller:

1. Ask you for personal or financial information:

payment, or for you to move money between accounts
your password, pin, one-time pin code, authenticator code or some other security information.
banking or credit card details to process a refund or over payment

2. Wants you to install software to access your computer, phone or other mobile device.
3. Threatens you with immediate arrest, or blackmail even deportation if you are legally in South Africa
4. Suggest your accounts have been hacked or involved with fraud.
5. Informs you about a way to make quick, easy money with little risk or effort.

You can still receive scam calls even if your number is listed as private!

Check the call is real

Never use contact details given by a caller or written in an email, SMS or WhatsApp message.
Call the organization the company or person back on a phone number you have found yourself (on their website).
Use the organization's secure, authenticated platform portal or app (never through a link).

Be scam aware

Immediately hang up on anyone who tries to threaten or intimidate you.
Never give anyone remote access to your computer.
If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Think you've been scammed?

1. Act fast to stop any further losses

Contact your bank or card provider immediately to report the scam. Ask them to stop any transactions.

Change passwords on all your devices and online accounts like email, banking, government sites and shopping sites.

2. Report the Scam

Once you have had the opportunity to have secured your details, you should open up a SAPS Case number, you can help us to try and stop the scammers or to warn other by reporting the scam to us. Depending on the nature of the scam site with a case number it can be listed.

3. Get help to recover

With your case number visit your nearest Department of Home Affairs and provide them with the information of your case including your signed affidavit. They should be able to capture the fact that your personal details may have been stolen and may be used for criminal activities. Visit their Website and make an appointment https://www.dha.gov.za/