Discovery Bank Warns South Africans About Fake Flight Deals Ahead of December Holidays

With festive travel season fast approaching, Discovery Bank is warning South Africans to stay alert as flight scams soar across social media. What may look like a cheap airline deal could, in reality, cost you much more than just your holiday plans.

Flight Scams Are Taking Off

In a message sent through its banking app, Discovery Bank cautioned customers that fraudsters are creating fake airline advertisements on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These posts often redirect users to WhatsApp chats posing as travel agents. Once the victim is convinced, they’re asked to download a fake airline app that secretly gives criminals remote access to their phones.

Once access is granted, scammers instruct victims to log in to their banking apps, after which their screens go blank while unauthorised transactions take place in the background.

To avoid falling victim, Discovery Bank has urged customers to book flights only through official airline websites or reputable travel agencies. The bank also advised never to disable phone security settings, grant remote access, or share banking details, PINs, or one-time passwords.

Digital Banking Fraud On The Rise

The warning comes amid a worrying surge in digital banking fraud nationwide. According to the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO), complaints about online fraud jumped by 73% year-on-year, rising from 1,436 cases between January and May 2024 to 2,483 during the same period in 2025.

For the first time, digital fraud complaints have surpassed ATM-related fraud, with over 3,300 new cases reported since the start of last year.

Banks across South Africa including Absa, Capitec, Nedbank, and Standard Bank have echoed similar concerns, saying phishing and fake mobile apps remain the most common tactics.

Scammers Exploit Mobile Banking Boom

Absa’s fraud strategy chief, Ulrich Janse van Rensburg, said criminals are taking advantage of the rapid growth of mobile banking. “We’re also seeing more investment and false goods scams being pushed through social media channels,” he explained.

Capitec added that coercion scams are on the rise, with victims being pressured to make payments themselves under false pretences. “This type of scam is leading to significant financial losses,” the bank warned.

According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), financial crimes cost South Africans R2.72 billion in 2024. Of that, digital banking fraud accounted for R1.89 billion with app-based fraud responsible for over 65% of those losses.

Regulators Step In

The scale of the problem has prompted regulators to act. Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Commissioner Unathi Kamlana said criminals are now using artificial intelligence and operating across borders, making traditional safeguards less effective.

“Criminals operate as organised networks, sharing data, tools, and tactics across platforms, sectors, and borders,” Kamlana said. “They are increasingly using AI to stay one step ahead.”

To tackle the threat, the FSCA has launched its Digital Banking Fraud Project. The initiative works with banks to strengthen fraud detection systems, monitor digital transactions in real time, and educate consumers on safer online banking habits.

Kamlana also stressed that financial institutions must treat fraud prevention as a governance priority, not just an operational concern.

Staying Safe This Holiday Season

As the December rush begins, Discovery Bank’s message is clear: if a flight deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. South Africans are encouraged to double-check every booking, verify travel agent credentials, and stay alert for fake links or pressure tactics.

A little caution now could save your finances and your festive season later.

{Source:Business Tech}

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