South Africa is now among the countries most exposed to scam attempts globally, with one in five people reporting at least one scam attempt every day, according to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) Global State of Scams 2025 Report. But experts say the most powerful defence may be simpler than expected: reporting every attempt, not ignoring it.
Here are five key takeaways every South African should know:
1. Scams Are a Daily Reality in South Africa
The scale of the problem is staggering. With daily scam attempts becoming routine for many South Africans, fraud is no longer an occasional risk, it’s an everyday digital threat affecting individuals across all age groups.
2. Reporting Scams Helps Stop Criminal Networks
According to Helen du Toit, reporting scam attempts, even when no money is lost, helps investigators track patterns and disrupt criminal networks. Every detail, from phone numbers to suspicious links, builds a clearer picture of how these scams operate.
3. No One Is Too Young or Too Digital to Be Targeted
While older generations often lack confidence in spotting scams, younger people are not immune. In fact, Gen Z and Millennials are among the most likely to lose money to scams globally, proving that digital fluency does not equal safety.
4. Scams Are Getting More Convincing Than Ever
Modern scams are highly sophisticated and emotionally persuasive. As Du Toit explains, many victims fall for scams simply because “it feels real.” In fact, 21% of global respondents say believability is the main reason they were scammed, highlighting just how convincing these tactics have become.
5. Reporting Channels and Red Flags Can Protect You
South Africans are encouraged to report scams to multiple platforms, including the SAPS, banks, YIMA, and the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA). Watch out for urgency—because nearly half of scams happen within minutes of first contact. The rule is simple: slow down, verify, and never respond under pressure.
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