Attention: Protect yourself against fraudulent scams
Afrimat has detected an increase in sophisticated fraudulent activities targeting both investors and suppliers. Scammers are currently using fake social media accounts, impersonating Afrimat personnel, and creating professionally duplicated websites to trick individuals and businesses.
- Please review the critical safety warnings below to ensure you do not become a victim.
Investment Scams (targeting the public)
- The scam: Fraudulent Telegram and WhatsApp accounts are using Afrimat’s corporate identity, as well as names and photos of senior management, to offer fake investment brokering and cryptocurrency trading services.
- The reality: Afrimat does not offer financial, investment, or related services through any social media platform or chat application.
- How to trade safely and legally: Afrimat only trades legitimately through regulated stock exchanges, specifically the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and A2X Markets. Any investment scheme offered elsewhere is entirely false.
Buyer Impersonation Fraud (targeting suppliers)
- The scam: Criminals are posing as legitimate Afrimat buyers to place fraudulent purchase orders, often pressuring suppliers for immediate collection.
- Red flags to watch for:
- Fake emails: Communications coming from domains other than @afrimat.co.za. (Always hover over the sender's name to verify the actual email address.)
- False urgency: Sudden, unexpected orders claiming a "breakdown" to create panic and force short turnaround times.
- Irregular delivery: Requests for goods to be picked up immediately by a courier or collected directly, rather than using standard delivery protocols.
- Fake proof of payment: Demands to release goods based on a "proof of payment" before the funds have been officially verified and cleared in your bank account.
- Suspicious requests: Asking for cash tokens or alternative items with a promise of reimbursement.
- Document errors: Poor spelling, grammatical mistakes, or inconsistent logos and letterheads.
When in doubt: Pause, Validate & Escalate
- Verify the order: Treat urgent or unusual orders with caution and confirm details directly with known, trusted Afrimat representatives.
- Check the template: Ensure that the Purchase Order template is fully authentic, complete, and official.
- Wait for cleared funds: Never release goods until the deposited money is fully confirmed by your own bank.
How to report suspicious activity
If you encounter a suspected scam or fraudulent communication, please report it immediately:
- For investment scams: Click our Whistleblowing Hotline
- For supplier fraud: Contact Afrimat directly at 071 400 4471 or email Hotline01@afrimat.co.za