Online scammers and fraud

Tips to avoid being scammed

In our hyper-connected world, the internet offers convenience, opportunity and community. However, it also presents ripe ground for cyber fraud. With common online scams becoming more sophisticated by the day, it’s no longer a matter of if you’ll be targeted, but when. From crypto scams to phishing emails and fake online stores, digital deception is evolving faster than detection tools can keep up.

Understanding today’s most common online scams

Scammers are masters of disguise. They operate through emails, messaging apps, fake websites and social media profiles. Here are some of the most prevalent online scams in 2025:

• Phishing and email scams – you receive an email that looks like it’s from your bank, SARS or even Netflix. It asks you to “verify your account” via a link. The link leads to a fake site designed to steal your credentials.
• Crypto scams – fraudsters pose as crypto investment experts, promising high returns for your “small investment”. Others create fake wallets, exchanges or airdrop links that steal funds as soon as you connect.
• Romance scams – a “love interest” met online suddenly asks for money. They claim to need the funds for a medical emergency, visa issues or a plane ticket. These scams, also known as catfishing, are emotionally manipulative and financially devastating. The podcast Love, Janessa tells the true crime story of a Brazilian woman whose image was used by scammers in other countries to lure unsuspecting men into parting with large sums of money.

Online marketplace and auction fraud

Fake websites and fraudulent sellers offer items at prices that appear too good to be true. The adage “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is” is accurate. You pay for your purchase, but the goods never arrive. Your credit card may also be compromised.

Remote work scams

Scammers post fake jobs that ask for an initial payment for training, equipment or background checks. Once you have transferred the requisite funds, you hear no more. This is particularly iniquitous because it targets vulnerable people. Those most likely to be attracted to these schemes are young people desperate for work (South Africa has an unemployment rate of over 60% for people aged 15–24) or others either on a low income or out of work, hoping to supplement their household income. 

How to avoid being scammed 

No one is immune, but an awareness of the tactics used by scammers and vigilance when online can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to fraud. There are a few proactive habits that will help keep you safe.

• Verify before you click – hover over links to check if the domain matches the real site. Never log into sensitive accounts via emailed links. It’s good practice simply to avoid clicking any link sent to you in an email or WhatsApp/SMS, even if it looks like it is from a friend. Expert cybercriminals can impersonate your contacts. You think the link is safe because it’s from someone you know, and the link installs malware on your computer which copies your sensitive information when you next make a legitimate transaction.
• Use strong, unique passwords – use a password manager to generate and store unique credentials for every site. Avoid using the same password across platforms.
• Research before you invest – if a crypto scheme promises quick, guaranteed returns, it’s likely to be a scam. Check if the project is listed on reputable crypto forums or platforms. Look out for fake testimonials and cloned websites.
• Avoid oversharing online – scammers often use social media posts to tailor their attacks. Keep personal information private and never reveal any financial information on social media.
• Check for contact details – legitimate businesses have verifiable phone numbers, physical addresses, and clear refund or dispute policies. If you’re in any doubt, phone the business, but don’t phone the number listed on the site you’ve linked to. Open a new tab, search for the business, and check that the details match. If not, call the number on the site you found via organic search.

Help and legal remedies available

If you’ve fallen victim to online fraud, report it, even if there seems little likelihood of apprehending the criminals. This helps law enforcement authorities build up an accurate understanding of the scale of the problem. Report online scams to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Cybercrime Division, or visit www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za. You can also notify your bank and the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in the case of crypto scams or investment fraud.

If you have been targeted by a banking or sim swap scam, even if your vigilance means you did not fall for it, report it to your bank or network provider. They have fraud departments whose job it is to keep customers safe but they need awareness of these incidents to be able to take action. We all have a duty to report fraud, even if (thankfully) it was unsuccessful.

Consult a lawyer

In many cases, cyber fraud constitutes a criminal offence and may also give rise to a civil claim for damages. A lawyer can help you draft a letter of demand, institute legal proceedings or freeze accounts associated with the scammer (where possible). If you paid via credit card, you may be able to initiate a chargeback. There are also reputable recovery experts and forensic auditors who specialise in asset tracing and fund recovery. They may charge a fee for the investigation, usually a percentage of the amount claimed. It’s worth it if it means you can recover (most of) your money.

SD Law can help

Cybercriminals are opportunists. They exploit fear, urgency and the human tendency to trust. With vigilance you can avoid being caught off guard. Online scams are a growing threat and criminals are always one step ahead of our defences. If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself a victim of cybercrime or a scam, contact Simon on 086 099 5146 or email sdippenaar@sdlaw.co.za for a confidential, personal discussion.

Further reading:

• Cybercrime – how to avoid being scammed
• The relentless rise of cybercrime
• Cybercrime – Court Reaffirms Who Bears Responsibility For Payment Where Email System Is Spoofed!!

SD Law – Simon Dippenaar & Associates Inc.

Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers

SD Law is a Cape Town law firm with a strong practice in divorce and family law, urgent eviction matters, antenuptial contracts, liquor licence applications and selected commercial disputes. Clients instruct us when the matter is urgent, high-stakes or strategically sensitive, and when they want direct, clear legal advice backed by practical litigation experience.

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