Easter scam warnings for South Africans

South Africans should be wary of scammers exploiting the festive mood over Easter to steal people’s money.

It is not uncommon for South African banks and cybercrime watchdogs to observe an increase in online fraud over big shopping events like Black Friday.

Threat intelligence analysis by AI cybersecurity firm Darktrace showed that phishing attacks mimicking major US retail brands jumped 2,000% during the 2024 end-of-year shopping season.

While not as significant a target as Black Friday or Christmas, Easter is another popular season for big sales promotions.

KnowBe4 Africa has warned that holiday-themed fraud continues to increase every year, preying on distracted shoppers and generous donors.

KnowBe4 Africa senior vice president of content strategy Anna Collard said that criminals take advantage of people’s more relaxed attitude during Easter, which includes several public holidays.

She warned people to beware of convincing-looking phishing messages and fake deals that tap into the festive spirit.

Common ways in which criminals steal money include using compromised online banking logins, setting up fraudulent debit orders, and transacting with stolen card information.

They may also convince people to transfer funds to “safe” accounts, often while pretending to be bank employees or police officers.

In terms of in-person crimes, people should be careful of thieves using their stolen cards to make small tap transactions without having to enter a PIN.

To avoid becoming a scam victim, Collard advised South Africans to follow a few simple precautions:

• Be sceptical of unsolicited communications, especially when they demand urgent action
• Check sender email addresses and URLs (website links) for small spelling changes or mistakes
• Never share one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs or any personal or financial information in response to unsolicited requests
• Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Keep your devices updated to ensure key security updates are applied
• Monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly

In general, Collard advised that one of the best principles to follow is that when an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Nine prevalent Easter scams

Collard also listed nine common Easter scams that people should watch out for during this holiday season.

The types of scams and how to avoid them are explained below.

1. Fake Easter sales and giveaway websites

Too-good-to-be-true discounts on chocolates, gifts, or holidays.

• Tip: Stick to well-known retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious ads.

2. Phishing messages disguised as delivery- or bank alerts

Emails or SMSes about Easter transactions or parcel delays.

• Tip: Don’t click links. Go directly to the retailer or bank’s official site.

3. Bogus charity appeals

Fake NGOs requesting Easter donations.

• Tip: Verify charities are registered through official platforms like https://www.npo.gov.za/.

4. Social media giveaways

“Win a chocolate hamper” scams asking for personal info or processing fees.

• Tip: Don’t share sensitive information. Real giveaways never require payment.

5. Too-cheap-to-be-real travel packages

Fraudulent holiday accommodation deals.

• Tip: Always book via verified agents or directly through known providers — last-minute booking opportunities during such a sought-after period should always raise your eyebrows.

6. E-cards carrying malware

Greeting cards with malicious attachments or links.

• Tip: Only open e-cards from people you know and trust.

7. Free trials with hidden subscription traps

“Easter-themed” services that auto-renew without notice.

• Tip: Read the fine print. Set reminders to cancel and check your statements.

8. Fake discount vouchers

Counterfeit coupons circulating on WhatsApp and social media.

• Tip: Use voucher codes only from retailers’ official apps or websites.

9. Spring-themed investment scams

Schemes promising “seasonal returns” or “growth boosters”.

• Tip: Avoid unsolicited financial offers. No legitimate investment guarantees high returns.

By staying vigilant and following these precautions, South Africans can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams.