Banking scams

What is it?

Banking scams involve someone pretending to be your bank — by phone, SMS, or email — to trick you into revealing details or moving money.

How does it work?

A common pattern is a call claiming suspicious activity was detected, followed by a request to 'verify' your PIN, password, or a one-time code, or an instruction to move money to a 'safe' account. Genuine banks do not ask for these details or ask you to move money to protect it.

How do I recognise it?

• Pressure to act immediately or risk losing access to your account.
• A request for your PIN, full password, or a one-time code.
• An instruction to transfer funds to a 'safe' or 'holding' account.

What should I do?

• End the call or ignore the message.
• Contact your bank directly using the number on your card or their official app.
• Report any completed transfer to your bank's fraud line immediately.

What should I avoid?

• Don't call back a number given to you in the suspicious call or message.
• Don't move money anywhere based on instructions from an unexpected caller.

Where can I get help?

• Your bank's official fraud line.
• The South African Police Service.