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Urgent help

What to do right now if you've been scammed

Act quickly, but use contact details you already trust. Your bank can tell you what it can do about a payment.

  1. Call your bank now

    Call your bank's fraud line right away, or freeze your card in your banking app. Use the number in the official app or on the bank's own website. Never use a number from a message, a search ad or a caller.

  2. Secure your accounts

    Freeze affected cards, sign out other devices, and change your email and banking passwords from a clean device. Use new passwords you do not use anywhere else.

  3. Keep evidence and get a case number

    Save screenshots, messages, receipts, and reference numbers. Report the incident to SAPS and ask for a case number. Keep it with your other records.

  4. Consider SAFPS protective registration

    Contact the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) to learn about protective registration.Visit SAFPS Protective Registration (opens in a new tab)

  5. Report the incident

    SAPS Crime Stop

    Contact SAPS to report the crime and ask about the next steps.

    Open a case at your nearest police station to get a case number. Your bank may ask for it.

    Call SAPS Crime Stop: 0860 010 111SAPS Crime Stop website (opens in a new tab)

    SARS phishing

    Report suspicious tax or refund messages to SARS. Do not click links in the message or share personal information in a reply.

    SARS scams and phishing guidance (opens in a new tab)Email phishing@sars.gov.za

  6. Turn on stronger sign-in protection

    When your accounts are secure, turn on multi-factor authentication. Where available, use an authenticator app or a passkey, and protect your account recovery options too.