Don’t be a victim – take control with the SCAM framework

With cybercrime surging across Africa and sophisticated scams targeting everyone from job seekers to business executives, the need for fraud awareness has never been more critical.

South Africa is amongst the most targeted countries on the continent when it comes to infostealer and ransomware attacks, according to global cybersecurity company ESET’s bi-annual Threat Report. Their research, conducted between June and November 2024, showed that over 40% of ransomware attacks, and just under 35% of infostealer incidents on the continent occurred in South Africa. Across Africa, phishing is the top threat, making up 34% of all detected attacks.

Anglo American’s anti-fraud campaign introduces the SCAM framework: a powerful tool that empowers individuals to recognise and prevent scams before they take hold.

The SCAM framework

Stop: Don’t rush. Scammers deliberately create pressure and urgency to cloud your judgement. Take a moment to pause before taking any action, especially when dealing with unexpected requests for money, personal information or urgent decisions.

Check: Look closer. Carefully examine the message, sender and situation. As the old saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify sender email addresses, check for spelling errors, and be wary of unfamiliar domains or suspicious links.

Act: Do what’s safe. Contact official sources through verified channels, talk to someone you trust, and only proceed when you’re completely certain. Never provide sensitive information or make payments based solely on unexpected communications.

Manage: Stay alert. Keep monitoring your accounts, devices and any follow-up messages. Scammers often make multiple attempts, so maintaining vigilance is crucial for long-term protection.

“In today’s digital world, awareness is the greatest defence against fraud,” Ernest Mulibana, external communications manager at Anglo American. “Our SCAM framework empowers people to take control of these situations rather than feeling helpless. By stopping, checking, acting safely and managing ongoing vigilance, anyone can protect themselves against scammers.”

Essential prevention tips

1. Verify before you trust – always confirm requests through official channels. If your bank calls asking for information, hang up and call the official customer service number yourself.

2. Protect your personal information – legitimate organisations will never ask for passwords, PINs, or one-time passwords on email, or by calling you.

3. Be suspicious of urgency – scammers use time pressure to force you to act. Take time to think, regardless of the deadline they claim.

4. Keep your software updated – ensure your devices have the latest security updates and use good antivirus software.

5. Monitor your bank accounts regularly: check bank statements and credit reports frequently for unauthorised activity.

6. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, investigate further before proceeding.

The key is not to panic if you encounter a potential scam. Document the attempt by taking screenshots or saving messages, report it to relevant authorities and platforms, warn others in your network about the specific scam type, and monitor your accounts closely for any suspicious activity.

“Every person who learns to recognise and resist scams becomes a guardian for their family, friends, and colleagues,” says Mulibana. “When we spot a scam and take control, we’re not just protecting ourselves – we’re building a more secure digital environment for everyone.”