How to report a crypto scam in South Africa
Act fast. Call your bank's fraud line immediately to try to freeze the transfer, open a case at your local SAPS station (keep the CAS number), and use the SAFPS Yima hotline for one-stop help.
Report online β the fastest step
Open a case at any SAPS police station and keep the CAS number β you'll need it for your bank, insurer and any follow-up. For serious or organised investment fraud, the case should be routed to the Hawks (DPCI). The SAFPS Yima platform is the practical one-stop victim tool.
Yima hotline: 083 123 7226 (083 123 SCAM). SAPS emergency: 10111.
Who to report to in South Africa
- β’SAPS β open a case at any station (get the CAS number); emergency 10111. Serious fraud β the Hawks (DPCI).
- β’FSCA β check a provider's licence (FSP search) and read public warnings; toll-free 0800 110 443.
- β’SAFPS / Yima β one-stop scam reporting; hotline 083 123 7226; free Protective Registration against ID theft.
- β’SABRIC β banking-sector fraud intelligence (report bank fraud through your bank).
Check before you pay
Many South African crypto scams involve entities not authorised as Financial Services Providers. Verify a provider's licence with the FSCA (FSP search or 0800 110 443) β the FSCA issues frequent public warnings naming impersonators and unauthorised operators, though it can't recover funds.
FSCA β verify an FSP βWhere to get help & support
- β’SAFPS Yima β 083 123 7226; connects you to banks, insurers, retailers and police; free Protective Registration.
- β’SABRIC β 011 847 3000; report bank fraud through your bank, which feeds SABRIC.
Do this right now
- β’Stop all contact and send no more money β including "fees" or "taxes" to withdraw.
- β’Call your bank's fraud line immediately to try to freeze or recall the transfer.
- β’Preserve evidence: screenshots, wallet addresses, transaction hashes, the scam website or app.
- β’Report the scam wallet address on Chainabuse.
South Africa-specific things to know
- β’Open a SAPS case and keep the CAS number β you'll need it for your bank, insurer and any FSCA/Hawks follow-up. Large investment-crypto fraud should go to the Hawks (DPCI).
- β’Yima (by SAFPS) is the practical one-stop tool: hotline 083 123 7226 connects you to banks, insurers, retailers and police, and its site can scan a suspicious website.
- β’Report bank-related fraud to your bank's fraud line immediately; SABRIC coordinates banking-sector fraud intelligence.
- β’Check the FSCA first / verify licences (0800 110 443); SAFPS also offers free Protective Registration to guard against identity theft.
β οΈ Beware "recovery" services. Anyone who contacts you promising to get your money back for an upfront fee is almost always a second scam. See the red flags β
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