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By Ross Joughin, Chief Commercial Officer at Synapser Every year, the season of Black Friday and discounted deals exposes the same uncomfortable truth about digital commerce in South Africa: as online consumer activity surges, so the cracks in our cybersecurity measures become more apparent. For businesses that transact or offer rewards digitally, the risk is …
Based on reports and surveys released during 2025 by various South African institutions (including financial service providers, fraud prevention agencies, and regulatory bodies), the number one general fraud scam in South Africa is not a single specific tactic, but rather a category of related scams known as Social Engineering Fraud or Impersonation Scams, often culminating …
The City of Cape Town was rocked in early October 2025 by a large-scale police operation targeting a massive network of alleged corruption involving municipal contracts. This incident exposed deep questions about the efficacy of the city’s internal oversight mechanisms. Discovery and Investigation The investigation was primarily ignited by a whistleblower’s tip-off regarding alleged …
The month of November 2025 saw several significant fraud and financial crime cases concluded across the globe, involving major corporations, political figures, and multi-million dollar schemes. Here is a summary of the major cases concluded or with significant movement in November 2025: 1. South African State Capture Settlement (Nedbank & Transnet) Case: Allegations of corruption …
Fish is marketed as a healthy, sustainable premium protein, but every time you order a fillet, there’s a significant chance you’re not getting the fish you paid for. Fish fraud, or seafood mislabeling, is a global, multi-billion dollar problem that rips off consumers, damages marine conservation, and poses serious health risks. Apart form the dangers …
The International Fraud Awareness Week 2025 (held from 16 to 22 November) marked its 25th anniversary this year, prompting leaders and organizations globally to issue strong statements emphasizing the need for collective action, vigilance, and ethical culture in the face of increasingly complex digital threats. Here is a list of quotes from press releases and …
Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message that looks exactly like it’s from your bank. The logo is correct, the wording is professional, and the person on the other end claims to be a bank official offering a lucrative investment deal. They even send a convincing link to download an app. But there’s just one problem—it’s all …
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the entire festive shopping season are a golden opportunity for savvy shoppers to grab incredible deals. Unfortunately, they’re also a prime hunting ground for scammers, phishers, and other online miscreants looking to exploit the rush and excitement. As you navigate the digital aisles, staying vigilant is your best defence. Here’s …
Open AI recently sent ot a notification to users saying that they had become aware of a a recent security incident at Mixpanel, a data analytics provider that OpenAI used for web analytics on the frontend interface of their API product (platform.openai.com). The incident occurred within Mixpanel’s systems and involved limited analytics data related to …
Accredited member companies of the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA) provide thousands with an economic solution built on transparency, accessibility, and sustainability, in an economy where desperation often leads to risk amidst scams being on the rise. This along with unemployment at 31.9%, constantly exposes South Africans to questionable earning opportunities. “Direct selling, …
As we approach year-end, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) is raising awareness to empower people this International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November). SAFPS CEO, Manie van Schalkwyk, warns that technology has become a significant battleground in the fight against fraud, and scammers are employing various tactics to turn consumers into victims. Just Say …
In the world of cybercrime, the scattergun approach is being replaced with precision. Mass attacks of poorly worded phishing emails are being replaced by sophisticated interventions, with cybercriminals now honing in on high-value transactions. In South Africa, with the property market on the up, home purchases are among their top targets. “Buying a home has …
Johannesburg, October, 7, 2025: You are going about your day when you receive an unexpected call from your “bank” claiming there is fraud on your account. The caller tries to pressure you into taking action, but something does not feel right. So, what do you do? Just say goodbye. The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) …
Johannesburg, August, 6, 2025: While the tax filing season is a time of economic alignment and fiscal responsibility, it is also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit unsuspecting taxpayers. With SARS introducing pre-assessments to simplify submissions for taxpayers, fraudsters and scammers are capitalising on this convenience to craft sophisticated scams that mimic official communications. The …
Johannesburg, May 15, 2025: The rise of technology has emboldened criminal syndicates, leading to a significant increase in global fraud. South Africa, being one of the most targeted countries, faces daily challenges with high levels of fraud, making it a critical player in this landscape. “The growth of fraud globally and locally is very concerning. Law …
This year’s summit brings together the brightest minds and most experienced voices in fraud prevention to unpack the real-world challenges facing individuals, businesses, and governments alike. With a diverse speaker line up from international cybercrime investigators and financial crime experts to tech disruptors and corporate leaders – this is not just a summit – it’s …
South Africans have become accustomed to the narrative that fraud surrounds them. The fraud landscape is growing significantly as the country attempts to break its bonds of low economic growth. “The public is often unaware of how sophisticated criminals are and how easy it is to become a victim of fraud or a scam,” says …
South Africa has always held the acclaim of being one of the continent’s largest economies and is still the most diversified economy in Africa. With the eyes of the world focused on South Africa in 2025 – owing to its G20 presidency – there are significant expectations that South Africa will resolve its economic issues …
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) urges South Africans to be cautious of the fact that social media and dating apps are a focus for fraudsters and scammers who are increasingly using romance scams and social engineering to perpetrate fraud and scams. Social engineering is the tactic of …
Revitalised from their end-of-year vacation, South Africans typically tackle the new year with gusto and renewed vigour. It is also a time when students who matriculated the year before, start the next phase of their journey as they enter into universities and colleges eager to further their education. “While there is plenty of excitement associated …
