Scam Warning for Samsung Customers
With the recent increase in fraudulent activity in South Africa, Samsung recommends some practical tips which you can use to identify and avoid scams.
Samsung encourages customers to exercise particular vigilance when engaging with emails, phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp, social media, or other online communications.
Fraudsters may falsely represent themselves as a Samsung representative or submit claims by representing themselves as an authorised representative of a customer, in order to obtain your personal or financial information, or to exploit you for financial gain.
Common examples of fraudulent activity may include:
Lottery prize: Email, SMS, WhatsApp or Messenger message claiming that you have won the lottery, requiring you to provide personal details or make a payment to claim. Recipients are asked to provide personal contact details or make a payment to claim the prize.
Job offer:Online job advertisements are placed and you are asked to pay a fee (e.g. for a uniform or background checks) before receiving a job offer.
How to Protect Yourself:
Below are some tips to assist you in ensuring that you are dealing with an authorised Samsung representative:
1.Be aware of phishing emails: Samsung’s customer service team or an authorised service centre on Samsung’s behalf might contact you by email or telephone to arrange for a resolution of issues that you have brought to Samsung’s attention. However, Samsung will not ask you for your credit card details by email or ask you to buy a gift card or deposit money into a personal bank account. If you receive any suspicious emails or messages, please take care before responding.
2.Check the sender details: Official email communications sent by a Samsung representative will always carry the “@samsung.com” or “@partner.samsung.com” domain addresses. Please make sure to double check the email or website address carefully when replying to emails or completing online forms.
3.Change your passwords regularly: We recommend updating your passwords regularly. Choose a strong and unique password and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
4..Protect your personal information: As a general precaution, do not give or send your name and surname, residential address, ID number, bank account details, or any other personal information to anyone if you are unsure as to whether the recipient is an authorised representative of Samsung.
5.Report suspicious activity: If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, we recommend you contact your bank or financial institution immediately. You may also report the incident to:
The South African Police Service (SAPS)
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) via www.thencc.org.za
The Information Regulator (South Africa) for concerns relating to misuse of personal information under POPIA
Samsung Electronics South Africa (Pty) Limited (“Samsung”) takes any fraudulent activity very seriously and it is our intention to ensure that the South African consumer is protected as best reasonably possible. We urge consumers to verify all competition and advertisement details through our official website. Alternatively contact our call centre 0860 726 7864 or email africa.audit@samsung.com about any suspicious activity.
Consumers should be advised that all competitions and promotions undertaken by Samsung Electronics South Africa will always be displayed on the company's official web site (www.samsung.com/za).
Disclaimer: This warning is an attempt to safeguard consumers from fraudulent activity, however Samsung’s liability in respect of any loss or damage arising from fraudulent communications or unauthorised third‑party activity is limited to the extent permitted by applicable laws, and if you do share any personal or confidential information, you do so at your own risk.
