What to do when you get scammed in South Africa
You're not alone, and the first hours matter most. Work through these steps in order — each one limits damage or improves your chance of getting money back.
Call your bank's fraud line — right now
South African banks run 24/7 fraud lines. Ask them to freeze affected cards and accounts, attempt to reverse any payments still pending, and flag the recipient account so the bank can pursue a recall through the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).
- Absa — 0860 557 557
- Capitec — 0860 102 043
- FNB — 087 575 9444
- Nedbank — 0800 110 929
- Standard Bank — 0800 222 050
- TymeBank — 0860 999 119
Numbers change occasionally — verify on the back of your card or your banking app if you're unsure.
Open a SAPS case and get a CAS number
Go to your nearest South African Police Service station and report the matter. Ask for a CAS (case) number — banks, insurers and platforms usually need it before they can investigate, reverse a transfer or take down a fraudulent listing.
Bring proof: bank statements, screenshots, the scammer's phone number or website, and any receipts or invoices. If the loss was online, you can also report cybercrime to the SAPS Cyber Crime Unit.
Lock down your accounts and devices
- Change passwords on email, banking and any account that shared a password.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (use an app, not SMS, where possible).
- Revoke device and app sessions you don't recognise.
- If you shared an OTP, ID number or selfie, treat your identity as compromised — request a free credit report from TransUnion, Experian or XDS and place a protective alert.
Report it where the scam happened
Report the seller, profile or listing on the platform you used (WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Takealot, Instagram, etc.). Platforms act faster when reports stack up, so the more people who report a scammer, the quicker they're removed.
Warn other South Africans
Submit the scam on ScamReports.za so the next person who searches the phone number, website or company name finds your report first. Anonymous submissions are welcome.
A note on getting money back
Recovery isn't guaranteed. The fastest reversals happen when you contact your bank within minutes — once the recipient withdraws the money, options narrow. Be wary of "recovery agents" who promise to get your funds back for a fee; that's a common follow-up scam.