Asked to pay before receiving a loan? Pause.

The upfront-payment warning sign

A message says your loan is approved, but you must first pay to unlock it. The payment might be described as a release, insurance or administration charge.

The NCR warns about fake credit providers demanding upfront payment before paying out a loan. Do not send money to release a promised loan.

Verify before continuing

Scammers may use the details of a registered business. Check the provider through the official NCR register and verify the offer independently before making contact or sending information.

A real-looking name or registration number does not prove that the person messaging you represents that business.

Read the lender-registration checklist →

If you have already paid

Keep the messages, payment reference and the account details supplied. The NCR advises people who have lost money in these scams to open a criminal case with the South African Police Service.

Do not let a further demand for payment rush you into sending more money.