Learn More at Our Online Casino About the Latest Money Scams

We often caution the patrons at our online casino to be hyper-vigilant in order to reduce the chances of fraud on their Springbok account.  We have a very low incidence rate – partly because of the high-tech security methods we employ, and because we raise awareness on the matter.

A Massive Increase in Fraud After Lockdown

After a few tough years, many South Africans have found themselves at the receiving end of elaborate fraudulent scams.  Lockdown brought with it a level of financial burden and frustration that unfortunately left many desperate and vulnerable.

It is out of desperation and during these vulnerable states that all logic and reason goes out the window and fraudsters end up hitting their targets the hardest.  We understand that anyone can fall victim, especially during the current trying times.

According to recent data released by the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS), consumers have faced an increased risk of becoming a victim of fraud.  CEO of the SAFPS, Manie van Schalkwyk said “This is particularly concerning given the economic climate that we are currently facing”.

South Africans are currently dealing with unbelievably high inflation and the general cost of living is becoming out of reach for the average citizen.  Simply making ends meet is a challenge as everything from food, housing, transport, interest rates, etc. skyrocketed.

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

On one side of the equation, we have highly skilled fraud syndicates looking for ways to make money.  On the other, we have unwitting consumers like the players at our online casino trying to do the same.  It is a dire situation on all fronts but as an ethical online casino, fraud committed for any reason is unacceptable.

3 Consumer Scams to Look Out for According to Standard Bank

Now, before we can get into warning our players about the current biggest scams, we need to inform you of what they are.  A cautionary warning from one of South Africa’s biggest banks, Standard Band, urged their customer to be aware of three scams that are increasing:

Fake Holiday Deals

You’ve built your online casino bankroll and you have enough stash to go on a well-deserved holiday.  Travel agents and booking with resorts directly is too expensive, so where do you turn to?  Social media…  Well, those days are evidently gone.

Over the past year or so, fraudsters have cashed in big time by advertising fantastic holidays or timeshare deals.  Only, they end up being fake.  Here’s how to spot a fake holiday scam:

• The offers are usually dramatically discounted.
• They are usually advertised online on websites such as Gumtree or social media platforms.
• Lastly and most obviously, one you make an EFT or payment in any way, you don’t get any confirmation.

Fake Goods Scams

Here the criminals lure you in by advertising unbelievable deals on a range of goods and products that are simply too appealing to resist.  So, how do you spot a fake goods scam?

• The biggest red flag here will be that the ‘seller’ will put a lot of pressure on the unwitting consumer to ‘quickly’ make payment.  This could either be a part payment or full payment in order to ‘secure the deal’.
• As you’ll soon find out, the offer is fake and you’ll never get what you paid for.

As the online casino that South Africans count on, this irks us as we too offer incredible deals with our bonuses and promotions.  The difference is that we are trustworthy and our patrons can count on getting the deals they were promised.

Fake Car Scams

As with the previous scams, there is a common thread here.  The scammer will advertise a vehicle at an unbelievable price.  The sad part is that many people have sold belongings to make ends meet – which includes selling their cars.  There is a real need for affordable vehicles, which makes this particularly cruel.  Here are the warning signs:

• As with the other scams, there will be a real sense of urgency, pushing you to make payment and their excuse will be there are “other interested buyers”.
• They might even go as far as to say that the sale is urgent because they are leaving the country, or they’re suffering from an illness, playing on the kind-heartedness of fellow South Africans.
• Once the money – or deposit – is paid, you will never hear from the buyer again as the vehicle advertised never existed.

In all these instances, trying to locate the ‘seller’ leads to a dead end.  Phone numbers are disconnected, social media profiles disappear – and you’re left out of pocket.  The takeaway here should be, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Make sure you are familiar with the ways to spot a money scam!

WhatsApp, SMS and Phone Call Scams

Have you noticed an increase in spam calls, or getting random SMSs or WhatsApp’s from unknown numbers?  Welcome to the club.  The most important thing here is to report the message on WhatsApp and then block the number – or to block the number on your phone if you received a call or SMS.

As for who is contacting you, and why?  This could vary greatly.  From claims of a family member passing away and unclaimed inheritance, to fantastic insurance deals or massive personal loans at ridiculously low repayments.  There literally is no end to the treachery.

Know that our online casino will never send you a WhatsApp or SMS with an offer – that if what your Springbok Casino account inbox if for.  If you do receive something via those channels claiming to be from Springbok online casino, contact our customer support team immediately to verify it – they’re on the clock, 24/7!

Identity Theft & Impersonation

Van Schalkwyk of the SAFPS has stated that, “Impersonation increased by 264% for the first five months of the year compared to 2021 and could be linked to recent major data breaches.”  This brings us back to the random phone calls, WhatsApps and SMSs…  Our advice to you?  Trust no one… until proven otherwise!

The Good News – Springbok Online Casino is Tried, Tested & Trusted!

Now that we’ve done our duty and warned our patrons of some of the current top scams in South Africa, we’d like to remind you that some deals are as good as they seem!  We know our loyal players are looking for a safe place to have fun and win some money whilst they’re at it.

Our online casino is transparent in all areas – from our RTPs, to our governance and our Ts & Cs.  If anything is unclear to you or you need added reassurance, get in touch with us.  We understand that we live in a day and age where everyone has to be cautious, especially when it comes to digital safety.

To give us a spin and experience what a truly trusted South African online casino has to offer you, why not claim our R250 FREE bonus?  With our “TEST-SPRINGBOK” bonus code, you have full access to our online casino and everything we have to offer.  Total transparency at zero cost to you!