You've Been Scammed: What to Do in the First 24 Hours

First, take a breath. Scams are built by professionals to fool ordinary, careful people - falling for one doesn't make you stupid, and panicking now only helps the scammer. What matters from this moment is speed and a clear plan. The first hour can be the difference between losing money and getting it back.

Here's exactly what to do, in order.

Step 1 - Call your bank's fraud line first

If money has left your account, or your card, OTP or banking login is involved, stop reading and phone your bank's fraud number right now. It's on the back of your bank card and inside your banking app.

Tell them what happened and ask them to freeze the account and try to recall the transaction. Banks can sometimes stop or reverse a payment if you catch it fast - but only if you act before the money is withdrawn on the other side. This is why it comes first.

Step 2 - Stop the bleeding

Once the bank is alerted:

• Change your passwords - online banking and your email - from a device you trust.
• If you gave away an OTP or PIN, tell the bank explicitly so they lock those down.
• If your phone suddenly has no signal for no reason, you may be the target of a SIM swap (where a fraudster hijacks your number to receive your OTPs). Contact your mobile network immediately to reverse it, and tell your bank.

Step 3 - Open a police case

Go to your nearest SAPS station and report the fraud. Ask for a CAS (case) number - your bank and any insurer will need it. Bring everything: screenshots, the scam messages, reference numbers, and amounts. Don't let embarrassment stop you; this is a crime committed against you.

Step 4 - Protect your identity (free) with SAFPS

If a scammer has your ID number or personal details, they may try to open accounts or take loans in your name. You can shut that down for free.

The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) offers free Protective Registration. It flags your ID number on a database shared with banks, retailers and lenders, so they take extra care to confirm it's really you before opening anything. Apply on 011 867 2234, email [email protected], or register online at safps.org.za. It costs nothing and stays in place until you remove it.

Step 5 - Check your credit and keep watching

Get your free credit report from a bureau (TransUnion, Experian, and others give one free report) to check that nothing has been opened in your name. Then keep an eye on your bank statements for the next few weeks - fraudsters sometimes test small amounts before going bigger.

Quick reference: who to call

How to not be next

Most scams rely on the same handful of tricks. Burn these into your memory:

• Your bank, SARS and SASSA will NEVER phone or SMS asking for your PIN, password or an OTP. Anyone who does is a scammer - full stop.
• Never click a link in an unexpected SMS, WhatsApp or email. Go to the official app or type the address yourself.
• Urgency is the weapon. "Act now or your account will be closed!" is designed to make you panic and skip thinking. Slow down. Real institutions give you time.
• "You've won" or "pay a small fee to release your prize" is always a scam. You can't win a competition you never entered.

Not sure about a specific message? Don't gamble - paste it into our free Scam Message Checker first. It checks for the warning signs right in your browser, and nothing you paste is ever sent anywhere.

You've been targeted by a criminal - but with a fast, clear response you can limit the damage and protect yourself going forward.