Where to report scams in South Africa
South Africa has several official bodies for reporting scams, fraud and cybercrime. Use this directory to send your report to the right place — and use more than one when it fits, because each body has different powers.
SAPS Cybercrime Unit (South African Police Service)
Open a criminal case for any scam — online fraud, romance scams, investment fraud, phishing, identity theft. You can also report at any SAPS station and get a CAS (case) number, which banks and platforms will ask for.
South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC)
The banking industry's central body for fraud intelligence. Report bank-related fraud, card skimming, SIM-swap and account takeover. SABRIC coordinates with the major banks to attempt fund recall and block recipient accounts.
Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBSSA)
If your bank won't help recover scammed funds or you believe they handled your dispute unfairly, escalate here. The service is free and independent of the banks.
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
Report unregistered investment schemes, suspected Ponzi schemes, crypto scams claiming to be "licensed" and dodgy financial advisers. The FSCA regulates non-banking financial services and publishes warnings about unauthorised firms.
National Consumer Commission (NCC)
Report business scams, online stores that don't deliver, pyramid schemes and breaches of the Consumer Protection Act. Best for goods-and-services complaints rather than direct theft.
Information Regulator (POPIA complaints)
If your personal information was leaked, sold, or misused by a company — for example, after a data breach used to target you with scams — lodge a POPIA complaint here.
South African Revenue Service (SARS) — phishing & impersonation
Forward suspicious "SARS" SMSes, emails and refund scams. SARS investigates impersonation and publishes a current list of known scams.
Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA)
Report nuisance calls, SMS spam and number spoofing by South African operators. ICASA can compel networks to investigate originating numbers.
Also warn other South Africans
Official bodies investigate, but they rarely publish individual reports. Posting on ScamReports.za helps the next person who Googles the scammer's phone number, website or company name find your warning first.
Contact details change occasionally — always confirm phone numbers and addresses on each body's official website before sharing sensitive information.