How to Outsmart Festive Season Scammers – Truecaller’s Guide to Safer Calls in SA.

Loading player...
GUEST – Mmathebe Zvobwo, Director of Market Development for Truecaller South Africa

The festive season may bring joy, travel and celebration but it’s also open season for scammers. As South Africans reconnect with loved ones, spend more, expect deliveries and wrap up the year, scam activity spikes dramatically. From fake courier messages and bank impersonation calls to holiday rental fraud and bogus competitions, scammers exploit the chaos and the emotional pressure of December.

We sit down with Mmathebe Zvobwo, Truecaller’s Director of Market Development for South Africa, for a conversation on how consumers can protect themselves from the surge in fraud that grips the country every festive season.

Mmathebe breaks down the most common scams South Africans face, explains why the country is such a hotspot for fraudsters, and shows how tools like Truecaller’s AI-powered scam detection, Verified Business Caller ID, and community-driven reporting are helping millions of users take the guesswork out of answering their phones.
11 Dec 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

PIC Board Exodus: Khaya Sithole on SA’s Biggest Asset Manager in Crisis

Six PIC directors have resigned, Treasury has begun steps to remove others, and whistleblower allegations of interference are mounting. Independent analyst Khaya Sithole breaks down the governance crisis unfolding at the Public Investment Corporation, what’s driving the board exodus, and what this means for the R2.5 trillion in assets the…
22 Jul 1PM 14 min

SA July MPC preview: Rates Outlook amid Hot Inflation

With inflation rising to 5.0%, fuel prices surging, and administered costs climbing, the SARB’s Monetary Policy Committee faces a tough call. Sanlam Investments economist Patrick Buthelezi unpacks today’s CPI print, the risks driving inflation, and what to expect from tomorrow’s MPC meeting. Essential listening for anyone watching interest rates and…
22 Jul 1PM 15 min

PayInc Data shows SA Real Salaries Crunch of 3.6%

Nominal salaries are barely rising — but inflation isn’t slowing down. The latest PayInc Net Salary Index shows real salaries falling 3.6% year‑on‑year, hitting their lowest level in two years. Economist Elize Kruger explains why salary growth has stalled, how administered prices are eroding purchasing power, and what this means…
22 Jul 12PM 12 min

SA Inflation Jumps to 5% year-on-year in June

South Africa’s inflation rate climbed to 5% in June, driven by transport inflation at 12.7%, rising administered prices, and broad‑based cost pressures. Patrick Kelly from Statistics South Africa breaks down the latest CPI data and explains what’s behind the spike. A must‑listen for anyone tracking inflation, consumer pressure, and policy…
22 Jul 12PM 9 min

Crypto After Death: SA’s New Estate‑Planning Blind Spot

Discovery Life’s Harry Joffe breaks down one of 2026’s biggest estate‑planning risks: digital assets. With millions of South Africans holding crypto — and most without valid Wills — families face major challenges accessing wallets, private keys and offshore platforms. We unpack access risks, executor expertise, tax implications, and how to…
21 Jul 1PM 13 min