You're Worth It 🚩 Report a scam
Psst… South Africa

That message looks real. Is it?

The WhatsApp, SMS and Marketplace scams doing the rounds right now — on one card you can send to your mom, your gran and your whole group in ten seconds.

🔍 Spot the scams → Take the 60-sec test
No sign-up needed Share, print or save Made for SA
57–68%of South Africans were targeted by digital scams in a single yearTransUnion, via TimesLIVE
12scams on the card that are going around right now
7clear steps for what to do if you already clicked
R0free to read, share, print and pin in your group
made to be passed on ♡

Scammers count on nobody warning each other.

This card is how we warn each other.

Group admins

Pin it in your Facebook or WhatsApp group once a month. One post protects hundreds of members — and saves you answering "is this a scam?" twenty times a week.

Moms

Send the picture to your own mother and your gran. Big text, plain words, and the numbers to call — no tech talk.

Women who sell

Selling on Marketplace or from home? Fake proof of payment and "scan to get paid" QR codes are hitting sellers hard. Know the signs before you hand over stock.

Your free card

The Scam Spotter Card

Tap Share on WhatsApp or Share on Facebook, save it as a picture, or print it for the fridge.

Updated September 2026

Scam Spotter

The scams doing the rounds in South Africa right now — and exactly what to do if you (or your mom) already clicked. Screenshot it, print it, pass it on.

WhatsApp

  • "Hi Mom, this is my new number" A "child", friend or colleague on a new number — or their real hijacked account — needs money urgently. Often late at night, often "don't call, my phone is broken". Phone them on the number you already have before you pay a cent.
  • "I sent you a code by mistake" Someone (even a friend's account) asks you to forward a 6-digit code you just received. That code hands them your WhatsApp. Never share a WhatsApp code with anyone. WhatsApp will never ask.
  • Get-rich groups & fake celeb videos Crypto, "AI trading" or forex groups promising big fixed returns — often with deepfake videos of famous people, banks or the FSCA "endorsing" it. Guaranteed high returns = scam. Check the FSCA register first.
  • Easy money "task" jobs "Like videos / rate hotels and earn R500 a day." You get paid small amounts at first, then must "top up" to unlock your earnings. A real job never asks you to pay in.

SMS & calls

  • Unpaid traffic fine SMS or WhatsApp says you have an overdue fine (NaTIS, AARTO, municipal) and your licence will be blocked unless you pay via the link today. Fines aren't settled via SMS links. Check on an official platform yourself.
  • Parcel waiting — pay a small fee "Your parcel is held. Pay R25 customs/delivery to release it." The link steals your card details. Not expecting a parcel? Delete. Expecting one? Use the courier's own app.
  • Bank alert or "bank official" call "Suspicious transaction — click to verify" or a caller from "the fraud department" who asks for your OTP, PIN or to approve something on your app. Your bank will NEVER ask for your PIN, password or OTP. Hang up, call the number on your card.
  • SARS refund / tax "verification" A refund is waiting — just "confirm" your banking details via the link. Only use sars.gov.za or the SARS app. Never a link in a message.

Marketplace

  • Fake proof of payment The buyer sends a screenshot or "bank notification" showing they've paid, then fetches the item fast. A screenshot is not money. Only hand over when it reflects in YOUR account.
  • Too cheap + "pay a deposit" A bargain far below normal price, "other buyers are interested", pay a deposit or courier fee now. The item doesn't exist. No money before you've seen the item in person.
  • "Scan this QR to receive payment" The "buyer" sends a QR code or payment link so you can "receive" money. It actually pays them or steals your login. You never need to scan or log in to RECEIVE money.
  • Meet-up switched to a quiet spot The meeting place changes last minute to somewhere isolated, or "my cousin will meet you". Buyers have been robbed this way. Meet in a busy public place or at a police station. Take someone along.

Clicked, paid or shared a code? Do this now

  1. Stop. Don't reply, don't send more money, don't "fix it" through the same link or person.
  2. Paid or typed in bank details? Call your bank's fraud line NOW (number on the back of your card). Block the card and change your banking app password.
  3. Phone suddenly has no signal? Call your network from another phone immediately — it could be a SIM swap.
  4. Shared a WhatsApp code? Re-register WhatsApp with your number, switch on Two-Step Verification, and warn your contacts not to pay "you".
  5. Change your email password first, then others. Turn on 2-step verification everywhere.
  6. Screenshot everything: chats, numbers, links, bank details, listings. Report the account or listing on the app.
  7. Open a case at your nearest police station, then register for free Protective Registration with SAFPS so no one can open accounts in your name.

Golden rules

  • Urgent + a link + money = stop and check.
  • No bank, SARS or courier will ever ask for your PIN, password or OTP.
  • Call the person on the number you know — not the one messaging you.
  • It's not rude to hang up. It's smart.

Numbers to save

💗 Shared with love by You're Worth It · youreworthit.site Pass it on — it might save someone's savings.
think you've got the eye? 👀

Scam or legit?

Six real-looking messages. Tap what you think — then challenge your mom to beat your score.

Message 1 of 6

Share on Facebook
calling all group admins 📣

Post it in your group in 30 seconds

You're welcome to share this card in any Facebook or WhatsApp group — no permission needed.

  1. Save the card as a pictureUse the "Save as picture" button on the card above.
  2. Copy the captionPick Facebook or WhatsApp — it's ready to paste.
  3. Post it & pin itPin it on the 1st of each month. We refresh the card when new scams start doing the rounds.
your ready-made caption ♡
Facebook

sisters warning sisters ♡

Sister Scam Watch

Got a dodgy message, call or Marketplace buyer? Report it here. We check every report, then add it to the wall so the next sister recognises it straight away.

0 scams on the wall 0 reported this month

The wall is waiting for its first report. Received something suspicious? Be the sister who warns everyone else.

you asked 💬

Questions

Is the Scam Spotter Card really free?

Yes. Read it, share it, print it, pin it. No sign-up needed. The monthly email is optional.

Can I post it in my Facebook or WhatsApp group?

Please do — that's what it's for. Use the ready-made captions above so your members can find the full card and the "what to do if you clicked" steps.

How often is it updated?

We check SAPS, SABRIC, the FSCA and news warnings and refresh the card when new scams start doing the rounds. The date at the top of the card shows when it was last updated.

Can I report a scam I received?

Yes, please! Use the Report a scam button in Sister Scam Watch above. We check every report before it goes on the wall, and we hide phone numbers, emails and links so nobody taps them by accident.

I already paid a scammer. Is it too late?

Not necessarily — speed matters. Call your bank's fraud line straight away (the number is on the back of your card), then follow the numbered steps on the card and open a case at your police station.

What happens to my details if I sign up?

We only use them to send you the monthly card and scam alerts. We never sell or share your details, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Five smiling women sharing coffee and flowers around a table outdoors

Join the…

SISTERHOOD

by You're Worth It

Real connections. Support. Opportunities.
All in one place — and free for every woman.

Create your free account

No card needed · takes a minute · women all over South Africa

CONNECT
SUPPORT
DISCOVER
GROW