JOHANNESBURG – Digital banking crime continues to pose the greatest financial threat to South Africans, with reported losses rising to R2.4 billion in 2025, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre’s (SABRIC) newly released 2025 Annual Banking Crime Statistics Report.

The annual report provides a comprehensive overview of banking-related crime trends across South Africa and highlights the evolving tactics used by criminals to target individuals, businesses and financial institutions.

According to the report, digital banking crime increased significantly from approximately R1.9 billion in 2024 to R2.4 billion in 2025, with banking app-related fraud accounting for more than 70% of all reported digital banking losses.

Card fraud also continued to rise during the year. Reported losses increased by 18%, reaching R1.7 billion, while card-not-present fraud remained one of the most common forms of fraud affecting consumers, particularly in online transactions.

The report also recorded a slight decline in fraudulent home and mortgage loan applications. Losses fell by 3.4%, from R599.7 million in 2024 to R595.9 million in 2025.

Encouragingly, traditional banking crimes continued to decrease. ATM attacks dropped by 46%, while cash losses linked to these attacks declined by 63%, reflecting the impact of enhanced security measures and coordinated crime prevention efforts.

Bank robberies also continued their downward trend, with only two incidents reported nationwide during 2025, compared with eight recorded the previous year.

SABRIC said the statistics demonstrate that while physical attacks on banks have declined, criminals are increasingly shifting their focus to digital platforms, using sophisticated cybercrime techniques, artificial intelligence-driven fraud and social engineering scams to target victims.

The organisation said the banking industry remains committed to protecting consumers through collaboration with law enforcement agencies, regulators and other stakeholders. Ongoing intelligence sharing, public awareness campaigns and investment in advanced security technologies are aimed at reducing financial crime and strengthening the resilience of South Africa’s banking sector.

SABRIC has encouraged consumers to remain vigilant by safeguarding their personal and banking information, verifying suspicious communications and staying informed about the latest fraud trends.

The 2025 Annual Banking Crime Statistics Report is available through SABRIC’s official website and social media platforms. The report provides detailed insights into emerging financial crime trends and practical advice to help South Africans better protect themselves against banking-related fraud.

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