Phone Number Scams in South Africa
How scammers use your phone number to steal money and identity – and how to fight back.
Common Phone Number Scams
📞 Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Scammers call pretending to be your bank, SARS, or a service provider. They create urgency and ask you to share OTPs, PINs, or personal details.
Red flags: Unknown number, urgent threat, request for OTP or card details, spoofed caller ID.
📱 SIM Swap Fraud
Criminals fraudulently port your phone number to a SIM they control. They then intercept OTPs and empty your bank accounts.
Red flags: Sudden loss of signal, SMS about a SIM swap you didn't request, unknown transactions.
✉️ SMS Phishing (Smishing)
Fake SMS messages claiming to be from banks, couriers, or SARS. They contain links to fake websites that steal your credentials.
Red flags: Unsolicited link, urgent request, poor grammar, sender number not from official source.
📊 “Missed Call” Scams
Scammers make a call that rings once and hangs up. If you call back, you're connected to a premium-rate number that charges exorbitant fees.
Red flags: Unknown international or premium-rate numbers; you don't recognise the number.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself
1. Don't answer unknown calls
If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail. Never call back numbers you don't recognise.
2. Never share OTPs or PINs
Banks and legitimate companies will never ask for your OTP, PIN, or full card number over the phone.
3. Hang up and call back
If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, hang up and call the official number on your bank card.
4. Register for free spam blocking
Use services like Truecaller or your mobile provider's spam protection (e.g., Vodacom Call Filter, MTN Spam Protect).
5. Report suspicious calls and SMS
Forward spam SMS to 7726 (SPAM) or report to your mobile operator. You can also report to the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS).
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