Bank fraud in South Africa has reached alarming levels in 2024, with scammers using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target both individuals and businesses. Major banks such as Absa, FNB, Capitec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and Discovery Bank have outlined the most common fraud methods, urging the public to remain vigilant.
Phishing and vishing scams continue to be widespread, with fraudsters using fake emails, text messages, or phone calls to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or one-time pins (OTPs). Nedbank warns that scammers often impersonate bank representatives or trusted entities, creating a sense of urgency to extract personal details. FNB advises customers never to share PINs or OTPs, noting that legitimate banks never request such information via email or phone.
SIM-swap fraud has also seen a significant rise, with scammers duplicating victims’ SIM cards by tricking mobile service providers. This allows them to intercept banking OTPs. According to SABRIC, these incidents have increased by 63%, and the financial losses are escalating. Capitec urges customers to stay alert to mobile network disruptions, which may indicate a SIM-swap in progress.
Money mule scams, a newer tactic, involve criminals recruiting individuals to transfer illicit funds using their bank accounts. Often, these individuals are promised compensation but can face serious legal consequences, including charges of money laundering, even if they were unaware of the full extent of the scam. The FSCA stresses the risks for victims, who can be held accountable for facilitating criminal activities.
Fake social media links and profiles are another growing scam method. Fraudsters set up counterfeit accounts impersonating banks or trusted organizations to lure victims into providing login credentials or downloading malware. Discovery Bank warns users to verify links and avoid sharing sensitive information on social platforms.
ATM fraud, including card skimming and distraction tactics, continues to be a significant concern. Standard Bank advises customers to use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas and to avoid accepting help from strangers. Immediate reporting of lost or stolen cards is crucial to prevent unauthorized transactions.
The rapid growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in online shopping fraud. Fraudsters create fake websites to steal payment details or deliver subpar products. SABRIC highlights that many of these scams involve "card-not-present" fraud, which now makes up over half of debit card-related scams. Absa emphasizes the importance of verifying website security before making payments.
Fraud statistics show the severity of the problem. SABRIC data reveals that South Africans lose millions annually to scams, with online banking fraud becoming an increasingly significant issue. SIM-swap fraud alone has seen a sharp rise, with the average financial loss per incident climbing from R12,315 in 2020 to R17,775 in recent years. Phishing and vishing scams have also grown more sophisticated, using personal information from social media and data breaches to deceive victims.
In response, banks are ramping up efforts to educate their customers. Absa stresses that security is a shared responsibility and urges individuals to double-check communications and avoid clicking on suspicious links. FNB has implemented advanced security features, such as two-factor authentication, to protect transactions.
Despite these efforts, fraudsters continue to innovate, exploiting new vulnerabilities. Standard Bank advises South Africans to stay informed, regularly update passwords, and maintain skepticism toward unsolicited offers or urgent requests. Discovery Bank reminds the public that fraud prevention starts with awareness—"when in doubt, verify."
The rise in fraudulent activity highlights the importance of proactive measures. By staying vigilant and following recommended safety practices, South Africans can better protect themselves against these growing threats in 2024. For further guidance, customers are encouraged to consult their banks directly or visit resources like SABRIC’s safety tips.