Warning for South Africans using WhatsApp scams
Warning for South Africans using WhatsApp scams is becoming more urgent as cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to hijack personal information and steal money. Experts caution that these scams are growing more sophisticated, targeting South African users with methods such as SIM swaps, phishing, and impersonation.
WhatsApp scams on the rise
Cybersecurity expert Lucas Molefe has warned about the increasing threat of WhatsApp scams. Criminals now use impersonation tactics to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over one-time passwords (OTPs), sensitive details, or even direct payments.
Scammers often pretend to be close friends, family members, or colleagues. By exploiting urgency and trust, they convince victims to act quickly before verifying the request. Molefe explained that the most dangerous method remains SIM swaps, where fraudsters trick victims into sharing OTPs that give them control of mobile numbers.
How SIM swaps fuel WhatsApp scams
What is a SIM swap?
A SIM swap is when criminals transfer your mobile number onto a new SIM card without your consent. Once successful, they gain access to WhatsApp, banking apps, and even broader digital identity theft opportunities.
Molefe warned that once scammers control a number, they can hijack:
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WhatsApp accounts
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Banking profiles
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Linked social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram)
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Email addresses
Why South African users are at risk
South Africa has seen a surge in digital fraud, with WhatsApp takeovers becoming one of the fastest-growing methods. The reliance on OTPs for banking and digital services makes South African users especially vulnerable.
Tactics scammers use
Impersonation through urgency
Fraudsters send messages claiming to be a trusted person. They might say:
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“I got a new number—please save it.”
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“Can you urgently share the OTP that just came through?”
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“I need a quick payment; I’ll pay you back later.”
Molefe explained that these scams often work because victims feel pressured to help someone they know. Criminals may even steal or clone profile pictures to make fake accounts look legitimate.
Gathering information from social media
Scammers use Instagram and Facebook to collect personal details, such as birthdays or family connections. They then use this information to build a convincing impersonation. This increases the chance of success when launching a WhatsApp scam.
Common warning signs of WhatsApp scams
South Africans should be alert to red flags that indicate they might be dealing with a scam. These include:
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Unexpected messages from someone claiming to have a new number.
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Requests for money, airtime, or banking details with urgency.
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Refusal to take a voice or video call for verification.
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Messages asking for OTPs or links to be clicked.
Recovering from SIM swaps and WhatsApp hijacking
What to do if your number is stolen
If criminals take control of your number via SIM swap, Molefe advises acting quickly:
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Contact your network service provider immediately to reclaim your number.
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Inform your bank to freeze accounts and secure access.
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Report the incident to WhatsApp to regain control of your account.
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Warn friends and colleagues not to share information with anyone using your compromised number.
Challenges in recovery
Recovering from digital identity theft is not always straightforward. In some cases, criminals even clone numbers, allowing both victim and scammer to receive messages at the same time. This makes detection and prevention even harder.
Protecting yourself against WhatsApp scams
Enable two-factor verification
The best defence against WhatsApp scams is prevention. Molefe advises all South African users to enable two-factor verification inside WhatsApp. This adds another layer of protection beyond OTPs.
Don’t share OTPs—ever
Never share one-time passwords, even with people you know. Legitimate companies, banks, and services will never ask you to forward an OTP via WhatsApp.
Verify suspicious requests
If someone asks for sensitive details or urgent help, always verify by calling them directly or speaking in person. A quick check can prevent devastating fraud.
Businesses and WhatsApp scams
Many businesses now use WhatsApp to communicate with customers. This has created another avenue for criminals to impersonate employees or service providers. Molefe stressed that companies should:
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Train staff to recognise warning signs of scams.
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Educate customers about safe communication practices.
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Use verified business accounts on WhatsApp for transparency.
The psychology of WhatsApp scams
Scammers succeed because they exploit two key psychological factors:
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Trust – Victims believe they are communicating with someone familiar.
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Urgency – The scammer pressures them into acting fast without thinking.
By understanding these psychological tactics, South African users can better guard against manipulation.
Final thoughts
Warning for South Africans using WhatsApp scams cannot be ignored. With SIM swaps and digital identity theft on the rise, it is vital that all South African users remain vigilant. Preventative steps like enabling two-factor verification, refusing to share OTPs, and verifying suspicious requests can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim.
As Molefe put it: “Ultimately, scammers are exploiting trust and urgency. The more people are aware of these tactics, the harder it becomes for criminals to succeed.”
