Report a scam in South Africa

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 10111 - for immediate danger only.

South African Police Service (SAPS)
Verified official source

Report fraud and cybercrime to the police.

Source type: police · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.saps.gov.za
No dedicated official resource found
No dedicated official resource found

Use local police, national cybercrime reporting, or your bank/payment provider for urgent fraud support.

Source type: unavailable · Last checked 2026-06-03
National Consumer Commission
Verified official source

Consumer protection complaints.

Source type: consumer protection · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.thencc.gov.za
Southern African Fraud Prevention Service
Verified official source

Protective registration against identity fraud.

Source type: government · Verified 2026-06-03 · Last checked 2026-06-03
https://www.safps.org.za

Report scam texts: Report scam SMS to your network provider.

Report phishing email: Report phishing to your bank and the impersonated organisation.

If money is involved: Call your bank's fraud line immediately to secure accounts.

Police advice: Call 10111 to reach the police; report fraud at your local station.

Evidence to save:

Save screenshots, sender numbers or emails, transaction references, and any links - without reopening them.

What not to do:

Do not pay 'recovery' fees, do not share more codes or details, and do not act on follow-up 'fraud team' messages.

Beware of recovery scams: no official body charges an upfront private fee to recover lost money.

How to report in South Africa

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Report scam SMS to your network provider.

Bank & payment scams: Call your bank's fraud line immediately to secure accounts.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in South Africa

Bank and SIM-swap scams
Delivery and fee scams
Job and investment scams
Romance and prize scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in South Africa?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-03. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.