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| GASA Report | 68% of adults in the surveyed countries encountered at least one scam. More concerning is the success rate: 41% of those targeted ended up losing money. |
As Africa’s digital economy accelerates, a shadow industry is growing just as fast. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) recently released its definitive State of Scams in Africa 2025 report, painting a sobering picture of the fraud landscape across Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Surveying 4,000 adults, the report reveals that scams are no longer just a nuisance—they are a pervasive financial and emotional crisis.
The sheer scale of the threat is startling. Within the last year, 68% of adults in the surveyed countries encountered at least one scam. More concerning is the success rate: 41% of those targeted ended up losing money.
The report also highlights a "need for speed" among modern fraudsters. Unlike the long-con romance scams of the past, today’s digital traps are built for efficiency. 62% of scams reach their conclusion—from first contact to financial loss—within a single day.
Investment scams are the most frequently reported threat, followed closely by fraudulent employment offers and "unexpected money" schemes.
Fraudsters primarily reach victims through SMS messages, direct phone calls, and social media platforms. Although 70% of victims reported losses to their payment providers, only 20% managed to recover any portion of their funds. Many scam encounters remain unreported because victims are either unsure of the correct authorities or feel that reporting will not lead to any resolution.
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