Scams and Fraud: What to Do After You Have Been Defrauded

Finding out you have been scammed is a gut-punch. Many people feel embarrassed or blame themselves. Please do not. Scammers are skilled professionals who target thousands of people every day, and acting quickly now is far more useful than self-blame.

What is happening

Fraud in South Africa comes in many shapes: calls or messages from someone pretending to be your bank, SIM swaps, fake online shops, "too good to be true" investments, romance scams, fake job offers that ask for a fee, and identity theft where someone opens accounts in your name.

Fraud is a crime, and you have the right to report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and get a case number. Speed matters most with banking fraud. The sooner your bank knows, the better the chance of stopping further losses, blocking cards and, in some cases, tracing money. There is no promise the money will come back, but delay usually makes it harder.

If your ID number or personal information was stolen, criminals may try to open accounts in your name. You can ask for protective registration with the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), which alerts member companies to double-check anyone using your ID.

If the scam involved an investment or someone offering financial products, it should also be reported to the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), which checks whether people and companies are authorised to give financial services.

Signs to notice

• Money has left your account that you did not approve.
• Your phone suddenly lost signal, which can signal a SIM swap.
• You shared a PIN, OTP or password with someone who called or messaged.
• You paid for goods online that never arrived and the seller has vanished.
• An "investment" promised high, quick returns and now you cannot withdraw.
• You get letters or calls about accounts or loans you never opened.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no to each question.

• Did you lose money in the last 48 hours?
• Did you share banking details, an OTP or your PIN?
• Has your phone lost signal or your SIM stopped working?
• Could someone have your ID number or a copy of your ID?
• Did the scam involve an investment or trading platform?
• Is the scammer still contacting you?
• Is the loss affecting your ability to pay rent, food or transport?

0-1 yes: Stay alert, change passwords and keep an eye on your accounts.
2-3 yes: Take the steps below today. Speed can limit further harm.
4 or more yes: Act now. Call your bank's fraud line first, then report to SAPS, and get support for the money and the stress.

What you can do next

• Today: Call your bank's official fraud number, from the back of your card or the bank's official app or website. Ask them to block cards and accounts. Change your banking, email and social media passwords.
• Today: If your phone lost signal, contact your mobile network to stop a SIM swap.
• This week: Open a case at your nearest police station. Take screenshots, bank statements, messages, names and numbers used. Get the case number.
• This week: Apply for protective registration with SAFPS if your identity may be compromised. Check your credit report with a credit bureau for accounts you do not recognise.
• This month: Report investment scams to the FSCA. Follow up with your bank and SAPS in writing, quoting your case number.
• Be wary of "recovery agents" who contact you promising to get your money back for a fee. This is often a second scam.
• Do not keep talking to the scammer or send more money to "unlock" funds.

Your tool

Scam Response Checklist - a step-by-step list of who to contact, in what order, and what evidence to keep, so nothing is missed in the rush.

When to get professional help

Get legal help if large sums are involved, if accounts were opened in your name and creditors are pursuing you, or if you are being sued for debt you did not take on. If the loss has left you unable to cover basics, a debt counsellor or support service can help you plan. The shame and stress after fraud are real too, and it helps to talk.
Who can help: attorney_general, legal_aid_sa, counsellor, emergency_services

Getting help in South Africa

Report crime at any SAPS police station. In an emergency, call SAPS on 10111. SAFPS (safps.org.za) offers protective registration for identity fraud victims. The FSCA (fsca.co.za) lets you check whether a financial provider is authorised and accepts reports of investment scams. If you bought goods from a real business that did not deliver, consumer bodies and ombuds may help. For emotional support, the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline is 0800 212 146.