Situation guides: what to do about the suspicious
Step-by-step guides from the NoCall team for acting in each suspicious situation.
A call from a relative in trouble with an AI-cloned voice: how to check it
The voice on the phone sounds exactly like your child or grandchild, and they need money now. AI can copy a voice from a few seconds of audio. Here is how to check before you pay.
Selling on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and the "buyer" asks for my details or sends a link
You list something second-hand and an eager buyer wants to pay via a link, sends a proof of payment for too much, or asks for your card "to receive the money". It is a scam. Here is how to spot it and what to do.
"You've won a prize": the fake competition by call or SMS that asks you to pay
An SMS or call says you have won a phone, a voucher or a lotto prize, and you only need to pay a small fee or give your card. A real prize never costs you money upfront. Here is what to do.
Job offer on WhatsApp or Telegram: the "task" scam
A stranger offers you easy work from your phone, liking videos or rating products for good money. It is the task scam, and it ends with you paying in. Here is how it works and what to do.
Fake traffic fine by SMS: what to do and how to check if it's real
An SMS says you have an unpaid traffic fine or AARTO infringement and offers a discount if you pay today via a link. It is smishing. Here is how to spot it and how to check for real fines.
"I sent you a code by mistake": how your WhatsApp gets stolen
You get an SMS with a six-digit code you never asked for, and someone asks you to forward it. That code is the key to your WhatsApp. Here is how the takeover works and how to get your account back.
A foreign number is calling me: what to do and how to block it
Your phone shows a number starting with +44, +234, +1 or another code you don't know. Answering costs you nothing; calling back can. Here is how to tell what the call is after, and how to block it.
"The police" or "a court" is calling me: the fake officer scam
A caller says they are from SAPS, the Hawks or a court, that there is a warrant in your name and that you must pay or move your money today. It is a scam. Here is how to spot it and what to do.
"Can you hear me?": the call that tries to record you saying "yes"
A caller asks "Can you hear me?" and you say "yes". Can they use that recording against you? Here is which part is myth, which part is a real risk, and how to answer these calls.
"Hi Mom, this is my new number": what to do when your "child" asks for money on WhatsApp
An unknown number messages you on WhatsApp claiming to be your son or daughter, with a new phone and an urgent payment to make. Here is how to check it in a minute and what to do if you have already paid.
Fake Microsoft technician: they call because your computer "has a virus"
Someone calls from "Microsoft" or your antivirus company, says your computer is infected and asks you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer. It is a scam. Here is what to do, and what to do if you already let them in.
Fake debt collectors: threatening calls about a debt you don't owe
A caller says you owe money, threatens attachment, a court case or arrest, and wants payment today. If you don't recognise the debt, it may be a scam. Here is how to check it and what your rights are.