Where do I report a crypto scam in South Africa?

Report it to SAPS — Report a crime (https://www.saps.gov.za), then notify your exchange and bank, and add it to the GACS public blacklist.

Can I recover money lost to a scam in South Africa?

Recovery is rare but possible if reported within hours. Banks and exchanges can sometimes freeze or recall funds. Never pay a 'recovery agent' — that is the secondary scam.

Should I report even small or attempted scams?

Yes. Even attempted scams feed national intelligence systems and help authorities map criminal networks.

Africa · Official channels

🇿🇦How to report a scam in South Africa

Step-by-step guide to reporting crypto, romance, phishing, and investment fraud to South Africa authorities. Use the official links below — and act fast: most freezes happen within hours.

Being scammed right now? Panic Guide Also report to GACS

Official agencies in South Africa

SAPS — Report a crime
www.saps.gov.za
FSCA (financial)
www.fsca.co.za

5-step reporting checklist

1
Stop sending money
Cease every transfer, deposit, 'unlock fee', and KYC submission. The recovery scam is the secondary trap.
2
Preserve evidence
Screenshot all chats, profile pages, deposit screens, wallet addresses, and transaction hashes BEFORE the account disappears.
3
File with SAPS — Report a crime
Use the official South Africa channel above. Keep the case reference number — banks and exchanges will ask for it.
4
Notify your bank and exchange
Call (not email) your bank, card issuer, and any crypto exchange. Ask for a freeze, recall, or chargeback within hours of the transfer.
5
Add to GACS public blacklist
Submit the scam at /report so others searching the wallet, domain, or phone get warned.

Warning: recovery scams target victims

After you report, expect calls and DMs from fake "recovery agents", "blockchain lawyers", or even people impersonating SAPS — Report a crime. Real South Africa agencies never ask for upfront fees or crypto to recover funds.

Reporting in nearby countries

🇳🇬Nigeria 🇰🇪Kenya

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