The scammer will tell you that a loan, payment, or "approved payment" is ready and will be transferred to your bank "immediately," but first you must pay a small fee (often called a "release fee," "processing fee," "clearance fee," or "fulfillment fee"). After you pay, the scammer will demand more money, claiming a "new issue," or disappear without a trace. You will never receive any money.

How the scam works

Step 1: You receive an email, text message, or phone call informing you that the large payment or loan has been approved and is ready to be released to your bank.

Step 2: They indicate that there is a small fee pending (e.g., a "release" or "processing" fee of R6.000) that must be paid first.

Step 3: To make it seem legitimate, they may claim that an "agent" has already paid part of your deposit on your behalf, or they may include a business address or website.

Step 4: After payment, they'll invent new reasons to charge more fees (taxes, delays, compliance checks) or simply stop responding.

What to do

Pause and verify: Contact the company using the phone number found on their official website (not the one in the message).

Confirm the promised funds by logging directly into your bank or lender account.

Check with a trusted friend or family member before sending any money.

Report the message to your bank and the state consumer/financial regulator.

Avoid this situation

Get a loan, bonus, inheritance, or payment without paying upfront fees.

Be wary of emails disguised as business addresses (like Gmail).

Don't send money via bank transfers, gift cards, coupons, or cryptocurrency.

Don't click on links or open attachments in unexpected messages promising money.