Protect yourself against common banking scams
Whenever you suspect fraud, your first three actions should be simple: Pause. Verify. Stay in control.
Fraudsters are quick, persistent and often convincing. Once you understand how common scams work, they become much easier to avoid.
Here’s what to watch for and how to respond with confidence.
If you think you’ve been targeted
- Stop engaging. Don’t send money, click links, or provide further information.
- Save all messages, emails or screenshots.
- Call us immediately using the number on our website or app.
- Report the incident to your local police or cybercrime authority.
Report it
If you doubt a particular payment or suspect you may have been the victim of fraud, get in touch right away.
- If calling internationally - +44 (0) 1624 643643
- If calling from within South Africa - 0860 033 269 (the cost of a local call)
- email [email protected]
- via the “contact-us” page
- send a secure message via your Internet Banking
We also recommend making a report to the police.
Common banking scams
The bank transfer scam
You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be your bank, a service provider or even the police. They try to convince you to reveal security details or move money to a different account — one they control.
They often use snippets of your personal information to sound credible. You might even be told your account has been hacked and that your own bank staff are involved.
Stay alert…
- If the call is unexpected, hang up and call your bank back using a trusted number. Ensure the original call has disconnected.
- Never log in to online banking using public Wi-Fi.
- Never share your PIN, full passcode or codeword over the phone — we will never ask for this.
- Never give out security token verification codes over the phone.
- Don’t give in to pressure to make an immediate transfer. Standard Bank would never ask you to move your money to a “safe account”.
- Take your time — check and double-check that the request is genuine. Contact our customer services team if in doubt.
The investment scam
You're offered an investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, often with pressure to act quickly. This may come from an "adviser" or "broker" who contacts you unexpectedly — sometimes via social media.
The scheme may appear legitimate, with a website, testimonials or celebrity endorsements. You might be persuaded to invest larger sums with the promise of little or no risk.
Stay alert…
- Don’t be fooled by “quick profit” or “get rich quick” promises. Fraudsters may ask you to send money to a cryptocurrency wallet or provide ID details to open a trading account.
- Do your own research. Check the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Register or your local equivalent to ensure the company is authorised.
- Verify the adviser’s contact details match those listed on the FCA Register.
- Be wary of social media ads or celebrity-endorsed schemes. Don’t follow links from posts — confirm legitimacy via independent sources.
- Don’t be rushed into investing. Take time to research properly.
Always seek independent advice from a regulated financial provider before investing.
The remote access scam
A caller pretending to be from a tech provider claims there's a fault with your computer or system. They push you to act quickly or risk losing money. They may ask for remote access and your banking details.
Stay alert…
- Never trust unsolicited calls about system faults.
- End the call and check the issue by calling a trusted number.
- Never allow remote access unless you initiated the request.
- Don’t provide bank or payment details to unverified callers.
The email or text scam (phishing and smishing)
Scammers send spoof messages via email or SMS, pretending to be your bank or a retailer. They try to trick you into clicking links or providing personal or payment details.
Stay alert…
- Keep your device’s digital security up to date.
- Delete suspicious messages or offers that seem too good to be true.
- Don’t click links in unsolicited messages — open a browser and go to the site directly.
- Never share your personal or account details in response.
- Don’t respond to suspicious emails or texts.
- Confirm that the company and product exist and that you’re paying the right person.
The romance scam
Scammers create fake profiles online to build emotional relationships and then ask for money. They may claim to need help with a sick relative, travel costs, or equipment for a job opportunity. If you delay or refuse, they may become pushy or desperate.
Stay alert…
- Verify the identity of anyone you meet online.
- Watch for inconsistencies in their story or repeated excuses for not meeting in person.
- Don’t send money or gifts until you're certain the person is genuine.
- Never share credit card or security details with someone you’ve only met online.
The authorised push payment (APP) scam
Also known as an email hack, invoice scam or CEO fraud. You receive what appears to be a genuine payment request from someone you know or trust — like a tradesperson or your manager.
The message looks authentic but directs you to send money to the fraudster’s account. The funds are usually withdrawn immediately and can’t be recovered.
Stay alert…
- Carefully inspect the sender’s email address, especially if banking details have changed.
- Pause and double-check before making payments.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge or question the request.
- Confirm payment instructions using a separate phone or email, not by replying to the message.
- Businesses should ensure proper internal approval processes and staff training are in place.
The vishing scam
A caller offers an investment or refund and asks for your bank details. These calls are high-pressure, urging you to act fast.
Stay alert…
- End unsolicited calls — don’t give out your details.
- Take your time. Research the caller, company or offer independently.
- If you decide to call back, ensure the original call was disconnected and use a trusted number.
Card-not-present (CNP) fraud
CNP fraud happens when a criminal uses your card details — without having the card itself — for purchases online or by phone.
Stay alert…
- Don’t let your card out of sight when paying.
- Always check you've been given your own card back.
- Sign your card as soon as you receive it.
- Regularly review your account and transaction history.
Card skimming
Fraudsters use a device placed over an ATM slot to clone your card. They may also use hidden cameras to record your PIN.
Stay alert…
- Memorise your PIN and never write it down.
- Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Be alert when using an ATM — watch for anything unusual.
- If something doesn’t feel right, cancel the transaction and remove your card.
Card swapping
At an ATM, someone offers help if you seem to be struggling. While “assisting”, they swap your card or steal it while observing your PIN entry.
Stay alert…
- Never accept help from strangers at an ATM.
- If someone distracts or interrupts you, cancel the transaction, remove your card and walk away immediately.
We’re here to help you stay safe
At Standard Bank Offshore, our fraud detection tools monitor accounts globally, 24/7. If we spot suspicious activity, we’ll act fast and contact you directly. And if you’re ever in doubt, our team is just a call or secure message away.