Truecaller fraud warning

Truecaller warned that South Africans should be on guard, as the country is entering its highest scam-risk period in five years.

The company explained that South Africa is approaching the most dangerous period of the year for scam calls, SMS fraud and impersonation scams.

New communication-risk data also revealed a sharp increase in fraudulent activity between November and January.

According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) and industry-wide fraud monitoring reports, fraud incidents have risen 32% year-on-year.

Notably, 68% of South African respondents in SABRIC’s report stated that they had been targeted by at least one scam attempt in the past 12 months.

This increase coincides with seasonal spikes in online shopping, courier deliveries, holiday payments, year-end bonuses, stokvel pay-outs and travel coordination.

All of these are conditions that scammers exploit to create a sense of urgency, fear, and confusion in potential victims.

To address this growing threat, Truecaller has launched a nationwide campaign to promote scam safety during the festive season.

The campaign aims to educate the public, highlight South Africa’s most prevalent scam patterns, and equip everyday South Africans with tools to verify communications in real-time.

Data from the South African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), SABRIC and Truecaller show that fraud consistently peaks in December, driven by a combination of seasonal pressures.

Increased transaction volumes from holiday shopping and courier deliveries, along with year-end pay-outs such as bonuses, stokvel cash-outs and student refunds, create fertile ground for scammers.

Travel and family coordination also rise during this period, while financial strain heightens emotional vulnerability.

At the same time, people are more distracted and exhausted as they juggle work, travel and year-end deadlines, all while relying heavily on their mobile phones, often in low-trust environments, making them easier targets for fraudsters.

Fraudsters are coming after these South Africans

Truecaller highlighted the top five scams it expects to peak in December 2025, based on real call-flagging patterns and user reporting.

The first, bank fraud department impersonation, happens when scammers pose as bank agents requesting OTPs “to stop suspicious activity”.

Mobile network SIM-swap scams, where fake “fraud teams” warn victims of a pending SIM swap, will likely also see a spike during this period.

Truecaller added that courier and delivery phishing scams, where fraudsters send fake delivery links and “release fee” messages, will also experience a rise.

Another scam South Africans should be wary of is police and law enforcement impersonation. Scammers intimidate victims with claims that they are linked to a criminal case and must “verify identity details”.

Finally, Truecaller warned that IT support and device hacking and access scams will also peak during the December period.

For this type of fraud, scammers offer remote support, often leading to compromised emails, devices, and banking apps.

Now, Truecaller is urging South Africans to stay alert and exercise caution in their communication over the coming months, Zvobwo said.

According to Truecaller, emerging fraud patterns show that certain groups face a heightened risk during the festive season.

Elderly individuals, who are often less familiar with modern scam tactics, are frequent targets, while stokvel members receiving their December pay-outs are particularly vulnerable to financial scams.

Small business owners who rely heavily on mobile communication for deliveries and payment confirmations are also at increased risk.

Young adults travelling home for the holidays and gig workers or freelancers receiving seasonal payments also need to be on guard.

These groups all experience circumstances that scammers readily exploit, making them prime targets during this high-risk period.

Staying safe from festive season fraud

Interpol’s Global Crime Trend Report for 2024 revealed that South Africa remains one of the most targeted markets globally for phone-based fraud.

In particular, the report said that all spoofing, impersonation scams, and AI-aided voice scams are on the rise worldwide.

“As South Africans prepare for year-end celebrations, Truecaller is encouraging a culture of digital vigilance and community protection,” said Truecaller’s Director of Market Development, Mmathebe Zvobwo.

“By understanding the tactics scammers use, and by relying on tools that verify communication, consumers can stay safer during this high-risk season.”

Truecaller explained that its app implements certain key features which help South Africans fight back against fraud. These include:

• AI-powered caller identification
• Community-sourced scam reporting
• Real-time fraud pattern detection
• Verified Business Caller ID (green tick)
• Localised spam lists based on South African behaviour

Truecaller’s safety infrastructure relies on AI models trained to detect suspicious behaviour, identify fraud patterns and flag high-risk numbers, the company said.

The system incorporates billions of data points from global scam reports, alongside community-driven intelligence from users. In 2024 alone, Truecaller detected 320 million scam calls and messages.

To stay safe from fraudsters during the festive season, Truecaller urged South Africans to keep the following in mind:

1. No bank, courier, or mobile operator will ever ask for an OTP.
2. Treat all “urgent” calls with suspicion, as scammers use pressure as a key scam tactic.
3. Verify unknown callers with Truecaller before engaging.
4. Never click on delivery or refund links sent via SMS.
5. Warn elderly relatives, as they are the most vulnerable.
6. Report suspicious numbers to help protect your community.