Over Half a Million South Africans Scammed — DSA Warns of Rising Fraud Crisis

South Africa is facing a fraud crisis. Over half a million South Africans were scammed in 2024/25, with an estimated 811,000 consumer fraud incidents, according to Statistics South Africa. Behind these figures are families stripped of hard-earned money, hopes derailed, and trust broken. The Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA) calls for vigilance, while pointing to its accredited member companies as safe, credible economic alternatives.

With unemployment at 31.9%, ‘quick money’ offers are becoming increasingly tempting. The Banking Association of South Africa has warned that schemes promising to ‘double your money in days’ are harder to resist when economic pressures mount. TransUnion reports that phishing (33%) and fake third-party seller scams (28%) now dominate South Africa’s fraud landscape. By Q2 2025, 58% of consumers said they had been targeted by scams, and 13% admitted falling victim.

“In this reality the DSA stands as a safeguard,” says Rajesh Parshotam, Chairperson of the DSA. “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Due diligence matters, and the DSA is here to guide South Africans towards trusted, income opportunities.”

Unlike pyramid or Ponzi schemes, DSA-accredited member companies build their businesses on genuine product and service sales. In 2023, 87% of direct sellers in these companies came from previously disadvantaged communities, with women making up more than 75% for over five years. These businesses don’t just create income—they foster skills, dignity, and financial independence.

“For over 50 years, the DSA has accredited companies based on a strict Code of Ethics, ensuring that those who become members are ethical, credible, and sustainable long term, protecting both consumers and sellers,” adds Imtiaz Ebrahim, Secretariat of the DSA. “Our mission is to offer South Africans a safe and legitimate path to income, no matter their circumstances.” Rooted in SouthAfrica’s heritage of resilience and empowerment, the DSA continues to shield families from exploitation, while building futures through sustainable income opportunities they can trust.