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If you suspect you have been targeted by fraudsters, time is your most valuable asset. In the world of cybersecurity, we refer to the “Golden Hour”—the first 60 minutes after a compromise where you have the highest chance of stopping a transaction or preventing identity theft.
Here is your updated South African Fraud Response Action Plan:
PHASE 1: IMMEDIATE ISOLATION (0–30 MINUTES)
Do not wait for a “clear sign” that money has left your account. If you have shared a PIN, OTP, or clicked a suspicious link, act immediately.
Call your Bank’s Fraud Line: Do not use the general customer service number; use the dedicated 24/7 fraud lines listed in the table below.
- Request a “Global Hold”: Ask the agent to place a temporary hold on all digital banking channels, not just your physical cards.
- Secure your Email: If you suspect your email was hacked, change the password immediately and “Log out of all other sessions” in your security settings.
- Kill Remote Access: If you gave someone remote access (via AnyDesk or TeamViewer), disconnect your internet immediately and uninstall the software.
PHASE 2: OFFICIAL REPORTING (1–24 HOURS)
To claim from insurance or the bank, you must have a police case number.
- Visit a SAPS Station: You must lay a formal charge in person. Bring your ID and printouts of the fraudulent transactions or messages.
- The Affidavit: Explicitly state that you want a case opened for investigation.
- Get the CAS Number: Ensure you leave with a Case (CAS) Number. This is the “key” that unlocks further help from the SAFPS and the Bank’s forensics team.
PHASE 3: IDENTITY PROTECTION & DISPUTE (24 HOURS+)
- Register with SAFPS: Contact the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service. They provide “Protective Registration” which alerts all banks and retailers to extra-verify any new credit applications in your name.
- Escalate to the Ombudsman: If your bank refuses to refund you and you feel they were negligent (e.g., they didn’t spot a clear SIM-swap), you can lodge a free complaint with the National Financial Ombudsman.
2026 SOUTH AFRICA FRAUD DIRECTORY
- SAPS Crime Stop: 08600 10111 – saps.gov.za
- SAFPS (Identity Theft): 011 867 2234 – protection@safps.org.za
- National Financial Ombudsman: 0860 800 900 – info@nfosa.co.za
- Standard Bank Fraud: 0800 222 050 – reportfraud@standardbank.co.za
- FNB Fraud Line: 087 575 9444 – phishing@fnb.co.za
- ABSA Fraud Hotline: 0860 557 557 – cibfraud@absa.africa
- Nedbank Fraud Line: 0800 110 929 – phishing@nedbank.co.za
- Capitec Fraud Line: 0860 10 20 43 (WhatsApp) – 067 418 9565
- Discovery Bank Fraud: 011 324 4444 – discovery.co.za