How to Report a Scam or Cybercrime in South Africa (and Recover Your Money)
Phone your bank's 24/7 fraud line immediately to freeze the account, then lay a charge at any SAPS station and get your CAS number. South Africa has no automatic refund scheme, so a same-day report is your best chance.
Quick answer: Phone your bank's 24/7 fraud line immediately to freeze the account, then lay a charge at any SAPS station and get your CAS number. South Africa has no automatic refund scheme, so a same-day report is your best chance.
What to do in 3 steps
- Call your bank's 24/7 fraud line now. Ask them to place a hold/freeze on the account and attempt to recall the funds before they are withdrawn.
- Lay a charge with SAPS. Report in person at any police station and keep the CAS number — every follow-up needs it. (Emergency 10111; tip-offs 08600 10111.)
- Escalate if the bank is unfair. Take an unresolved dispute free to the National Financial Ombud on 0860 800 900 after the bank has had its chance.
How recovery actually works
There is no blanket reimbursement scheme in South Africa; outcomes are decided case-by-case. Unauthorised transactions (card cloning, account takeover, pure phishing) have reasonable prospects if you reported fast and weren't negligent. Authorised push-payment scams — where you were tricked into approving the payment or sharing an OTP — are much harder, and banks usually treat OTP disclosure as your negligence. If the bank declines, the National Financial Ombud can order a refund where the bank acted unfairly, but it can't claw back money already gone to a fraudster.
What to have ready
- Your ID, contact details and the affected account/card number
- The date, time and amount of each fraudulent transaction, with references
- The beneficiary details (account, name, bank) if known
- Screenshots, SMS/OTP messages, emails and the scammer's numbers and links
- The SAPS CAS number for every follow-up
Frequently asked questions
Where do I report cybercrime in South Africa? Your bank's fraud line first, then lay a charge at any SAPS station (emergency 10111) for a CAS number.
Will my bank refund me? Possibly for unauthorised fraud if you acted fast; rarely for scams you authorised yourself.
What if the bank refuses? Escalate free to the National Financial Ombud on 0860 800 900.
Sources
- South African Police Service — Report a crime
- SABRIC — How to stay safe (bank fraud lines)
- National Financial Ombud Scheme
- Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020
For step-by-step reporting and recovery guides covering other countries, see our cybercrime help hub.