Report Online Scam to Police South Africa

Direct Answer: How to Report This Crime or Open a Case

To report online scam to police South Africa and open a formal criminal case, you must physically visit your nearest police station

 to submit a written affidavit and present your evidence to a South African Police Service (SAPS) officer.

Currently, SAPS does not offer a fully digital system to formally open a criminal case online. While you can submit anonymous tip-offs or report suspicious activity through Crime Stop, opening an official investigation for financial loss or cyber fraud requires an in-person statement under oath.

If you are exploring whether digital lodging options exist, see our guide on Can I Report a Crime Online South Africa

 for full details on current SAPS digital capabilities and limitations.

To ensure your report is handled efficiently, follow these core steps:

1. Contact your bank immediately: If money was transferred or account details were compromised, notify your bank’s fraud department to freeze accounts or attempt payment recalls before heading to SAPS.
2. Gather all evidence: Print out chat transcripts, proof of payment, bank statements, email headers, and social media profiles associated with the scam.
3. Visit a police station: Request to open a docket for fraud or cybercrime under the Cybercrimes Act.
4. Complete an affidavit: Provide a detailed statement explaining what occurred, when it happened, and the financial loss involved.
5. Obtain your CAS Number: Receive your official Crime Administration System reference number before leaving the station.

For a broader understanding of general police intake processes, read our primary guide on How to Report a Crime in South Africa

.

When to Call 10111 vs Visit a Police Station

Knowing which contact channel to use depends on whether you are facing an active emergency or reporting a completed online scam.

• Call 10111 for Active Emergencies: Dial 10111 or use designated emergency police numbers if you are in immediate physical danger, if an active extortion attempt involves imminent threat to life or personal safety, or if a suspect is currently at your physical location.
• Visit a Police Station for Online Scams: For standard financial scams, marketplace fraud, phishing, romance scams, or investment fraud where money has already been lost, you must visit the Client Service Centre (CSC) at a police station.

When choosing between phone dispatch and in-person visits, consult our comparison guide on Call 10111 or Go to Police Station

.

If you are unsure which branch to visit, note that under SAPS regulations, any operational police station must accept your initial report. To understand how jurisdictional transfers work between stations, read Can I Open a Case at Any Police Station

.

What Information and Documents to Prepare

Having organized documentation significantly speeds up the process of opening a docket at the station.

Requirements

To lodge an official Report Online Scam complaint with SAPS, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• You must be the victim, an authorized representative, or possess direct first-hand knowledge of the fraudulent transaction.
• You must provide valid proof of identity.
• You must be prepared to make a sworn statement (affidavit) under oath.

Documents or details to prepare

Bring physical paper copies of all digital evidence to the station, as officers require printed attachments (annexures) to insert into the hard-copy docket:

1. Identification: Your original South African green barcoded ID book, Smart ID card, or valid passport/asylum permit.
2. Proof of Residence: A recent utility bill or bank statement showing your residential address.
3. Financial Records:
   • Official bank statements highlighting the fraudulent transfers.
   • Proof of payment receipts showing beneficiary bank account details, branch codes, and reference numbers.
   • Bank fraud reference number (if you previously logged the issue with your bank’s fraud division).
4. Digital & Communication Evidence:
   • Printed screenshots of messages (WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, social media inbox chats).
   • Printed email headers and messages showing the sender’s full email address.
   • Advertisements, website links (URLs), or online marketplace profile listings used by the scammer.
   • Cellphone numbers or email addresses linked to the suspect.
5. Chronological Timeline: A simple written outline detailing the dates, times, and sequence of events from initial contact to the realization of fraud.

What Happens After You Report the Crime

Once you present your documentation at the police station’s Client Service Centre (CSC), the officer follows a standardized administrative procedure:

1. Interview and Statement: An officer interviews you regarding the scam details and assists you in drafting a sworn affidavit.
2. Docket Registration: The officer registers the complaint in the station’s SAPS 10 Register (Crime Register) under the legal classification of Fraud, Theft by False Pretences, or violations of the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020.
3. System Logging: The information is captured into the electronic Crime Administration System (CAS).
4. CAS Number Allocation: The system generates a unique CAS number, which is handed or SMSed to you.
5. Investigation Transfer: The physical docket is handed over to the station’s Detective Service or forwarded to a specialized unit, such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) or Commercial Crime Unit, depending on the threshold and complexity of the offense. For further insights on how financial crimes are handled, visit our article on how to report fraud to SAPS.

CAS Number, Detective Follow-Up and Case Progress

Your CAS (Crime Administration System) number is the primary tracking reference for your report. A standard SAPS CAS number follows a specific format: CAS [Number]/[Month]/[Year] (for example, CAS 123/08/2026).

How to Use Your CAS Number

• Bank Fraud Escalation: Provide the CAS number to your bank’s fraud department. Most financial institutions require a formal SAPS CAS number to open internal forensic investigations or attempt interbank fund recovery.
• Detective Follow-Up: Within a few days of reporting, an investigating officer (detective) will be assigned to your case. You should receive an automated SMS with the detective’s name, contact details, and assigned docket number.
• Tracking Progress: You can follow up on case progress by calling the assigned detective directly, visiting the detective branch at the station where you logged the crime, or contacting the SAPS Service Call Centre.

If you are dealing with sophisticated network intrusions or advanced online syndicate operations, review our guidance on how to report cybercrime South Africa

 to understand how specialized digital forensic units operate.

Related Police Services and FAQs

Official source to verify

For official updates, legislative references, and national contact directories, consult official South African government platforms:

• SAPS Official Portal — Report Crime
• SAPS Contact and Information Directory
• SAPS Crime Stop Portal

Related police services

• Crime Stop (08600 10111): A confidential hotline for submitting anonymous tips about online scams, fraud syndicates, and cybercriminals.
• Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS): A non-profit organization helping citizens protect their identity against identity theft and impersonation fraud (visit safps.org.za to register for protective registration).
• Payment Association of South Africa (PASA): Coordinates with major banks regarding fraudulent account flagging and interbank clearing security.

FAQs

How do I deal with report online scam to police south africa?

To deal with reporting an online scam to the police in South Africa, gather all printed evidence (bank statements, chat transcripts, scammer details) and visit your nearest SAPS station. Submit a sworn affidavit to open a case, and ensure you obtain a CAS number to track the investigation and share with your bank.

Is reporting a crime free in South Africa?

Yes. Opening a criminal case, filing an affidavit, and receiving a CAS number at any South African Police Service station is completely free of charge.

When should I call 10111 instead of visiting a police station?

You should call 10111 when there is an active emergency, ongoing threat to safety, or immediate physical danger. For standard online scams where money was transferred electronically without physical violence, you must visit a police station in person to open a docket.

What is a SAPS CAS number?

A SAPS CAS number (Crime Administration System number) is a unique reference code assigned to an officially registered crime docket. It serves as proof that a criminal case was opened and is required by banks, insurance providers, and investigating detectives for case tracking.