With South Africans gearing up for Easter celebrations, cybercriminals are also preparing to scam. KnowBe4 Africa warns that holiday-themed fraud surges yearly, preying on distracted shoppers and generous donors alike.

“Scammers know we’re more relaxed during the holidays, and they take full advantage—sending convincing-looking phishing messages and fake deals that tap into the festive spirit,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “But with a few simple precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim.”

Here are 9 common Easter scams you might not have heard of, and how to avoid them:

Fake Easter sales and giveaway websites
Too-good-to-be-true discounts on chocolates, gifts, or holidays.
Tip: Stick to well-known retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious ads.
Phishing messages disguised as delivery or bank alerts
Emails or SMSes about Easter transactions or parcel delays.
Tip: Don’t click links. Go directly to the retailer or the bank’s official site.
Bogus charity appeals
Fake NGOs requesting Easter donations.
Tip: Verify that charities are registered through official platforms like https://www.npo.gov.za/.
Social media giveaways
“Win a chocolate hamper” scams asking for personal info or processing fees.
Tip: Don’t share sensitive information. Real giveaways never require payment.
Too-cheap-to-be-real travel packages
Fraudulent holiday accommodation deals.
Tip: Always book via verified agents or directly through known providers. Last–minute booking opportunities during such a sought-after period should always raise your eyebrows.
E-cards carrying malware
Greeting cards with malicious attachments or links.
Tip: Only open e-cards from people you know and trust.
Free trials with hidden subscription traps
“Easter-themed” services that auto-renew without notice.
Tip: Read the fine print. Set reminders to cancel and check your statements.
Fake discount vouchers
Counterfeit coupons are circulating on WhatsApp and social media.
Tip: Use voucher codes only from retailers’ official apps or websites.
Spring-themed investment scams
Schemes promising “seasonal returns” or “growth boosters”.
Tip: Avoid unsolicited financial offers. No legitimate investment guarantees high returns.

How scammers get your money:

Phishing for online banking logins
Setting up fraudulent debit orders
Using stolen card info for purchases
Convincing you to transfer funds to “safe” accounts
Exploiting contactless payments with stolen cards

Stay protected:

Be sceptical of unsolicited communications, especially those creating urgency.
Check sender email addresses and URLs for small spelling changes indicating fraudulent redirecting.
Never share one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs, or any personal or financial information in response to unsolicited requests.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Keep your devices updated to ensure key security updates are applied.
Monitor bank accounts and credit reports regularly.

Final word: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

PERSONAL FINANCE