Criminals have new target in SA for rugby season
It might not be surprising to hear that cybercriminals have found another target, but they are using a surprising new method.
Unfortunately, scams have become a significant issue worldwide, and perpetrators are growing more cunning and convincing by the day.
In 2025 alone, there were warnings about everything from a WhatsApp scam using deepfake technology to the City of Tshwane issuing a statement about a fake job advertisement circulating online.
Impersonating friends, family members, and colleagues is also a popular method of deception for acquiring money or sensitive information.
Only six days into 2026, even Woolworths had to issue an urgent warning to customers about a scam circulating online that impacted hundreds of people across South Africa.
It doesn’t matter how many warnings go out or scams get shut down; it seems like a handful more pop up.
However, just when you think these scammers can’t reach a new low, they do.
The latest scam targets Springboks supporters, using our own national team against us.
BusinessTech reports that cyber experts have issued a warning to fans as criminals use major sporting events to trick consumers into handing over their banking details.
These events result in a surge of online shopping, takeaway orders, and home deliveries, making them prime targets for increasingly sophisticated online scams.
Allan Juma, the Lead Cybersecurity Engineer at one of Europe's pioneering cybersecurity companies, ESET, says that fans buying Springbok jerseys and memorabilia, ordering food on match days and making everyday purchases online while following the winter sports calendar create the ideal conditions for these cybercriminals.
Innocent consumers who are waiting for delivery notifications on their phones are often distracted by the matches.
Fraudsters, according to Juma, have identified this opportunity and are exploiting it by sending fake courier notifications via SMS, WhatsApp, and email.
He explains that scammers have increasingly been impersonating legitimate courier companies by sending convincing delivery updates that request small payments for customs fees or delivery charges.
The popularity of online shopping sites such as Shein and Temu has also led to an increase in these scams.
Customers know that there could be genuine customs payment requests from logistics companies, making fraudulent messages much more believable.
Scammers use this method to ask for small amounts, so victims are less likely to question the request.
It’s easy to fall for these messages because they’re written well, they offer a plausible amount of detail, and they include the right kind of details.
As with many scams, it has become especially difficult to tell the difference between fake and real messages.
Criminals can now use cloned payment pages with official logos, professional language and proper branding.
Juma also highlights that scammers are carefully replicating the language and flow of legitimate delivery companies, including their shipment notifications, tracking updates, and payment requests.
Regardless of the channel these scammers use, the real damage is done when you go to the page they are redirecting you to.
Filling in your details, you are giving criminals everything they need to carry out additional transactions on your card.
Juma also says that genuine courier companies regularly send order confirmations, tracking information and delivery notices by email, which also makes phishing emails much harder to detect.
What to watch out for
Here are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid falling victim to scams:
- Never enter card details on unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
- Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Check website URLs and email addresses carefully. Small changes often indicate scams.
- Look for verified social media accounts when engaging with brands.
- When in doubt, contact the retailer directly for assistance.
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Image: AFP