DStv scam warning
MultiChoice-owned DStv says it is aware of various fraudulent activities targeting the broadcaster’s customers, including fake alerts of service discontinuation and outstanding payments.
Fraudsters use various tactics to deceive individuals and steal their personal information or money.
In addition to false service discontinuation and outstanding payments alerts, scammers also try to dupe DStv customers with fake promotions and malicious applications.
“We want to empower you to stay safe and avoid falling victim to these scams,” says DStv.
DStv listed several common scam tactics fraudsters employ:
- Fake promotions — scammers may offer free streaming or other enticing deals to lure customers into downloading malicious software.
- Phishing attempts — scammers may send emails or SMS messages pretending to be from DStv, requesting customers’ personal information or payment details.
- False prize alerts — scammers may attempt to dupe customers by claiming that they’ve won a prize and asking for a fee or personal information from customers to claim the prize.
- Impersonating DStv staff — scammers may pose as DStv employees or accredited installers, offering unrealistic deals or requesting access to your home.
- Verification requests — some scammers may introduce themselves with a piece of your personal information in an attempt to appear credible, before requesting customers to verify themselves with a selfie or OTP.
The broadcaster urged its customers to be wary of unsolicited offers and not share personal information.
“If you receive an unexpected email, SMS, or phone call claiming to be from DStv, be cautious and verify the information through official DStv channels,” it said.
“Do not share your personal information, including your DStv account details, passwords, or credit card numbers with anyone who contacts you unsolicited.”
DStv also urges customers to verify email addresses or phone numbers from which unsolicited messages or calls come to ensure they are legitimate.
“Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious links. Always download apps from official app stores and verify the authenticity of the source,” it said.
The broadcaster added that customers who believe they’ve fallen victim to a scam must contact DStv immediately at 011 289 222.
“Our team will assist you in taking appropriate steps to protect your information and report the incident,” DStv said.
DStv rewards scam
In October 2024, a scam campaign saw malicious actors pose as MultiChoice staff offering DStv Rewards to steal money from customers by infecting their devices with malware.
One Mpumalanga resident, Witness Mjoli, lost R48,000 through the scam.
In September 2024, Mjoli received a call from a woman claiming to be a DStv employee. She offered to help him claim his DStv Rewards.
While DStv does offer an extensive rewards programme, subscribers can only access their rewards through the MyDStv app.
Mjoli said the caller kept him on the phone for around 10 minutes. In that time, she coerced him to click on an image link, read out a PIN sent to him, and open his selfie camera.
At this point, his phone froze, and when he could access it again, he noticed that R48,000 had been withdrawn from his account.
Most of the funds were taken from credit facilities, putting him in a position where he owed the bank money.
Capitec reimbursed his losses in full. However, it was noted that the scammer had never accessed his banking app directly.
It said Mjoli may have unwittingly installed malware onto his device, probably through a malicious app posing as an official DStv platform.
The malicious software likely enabled the scammer to intercept communications sent to Mjoli’s phone, including one-time PINs.
MultiChoice told MyBroadband that it was aware of fraudsters posing as DStv to offer fake rewards in exchange for personal details.
“Typically, they direct customers to fraudulent links, asking for sensitive information like banking codes,” it said.
“MultiChoice will never request passwords, payment details, or ask customers to click on links over the phone or via SMS.”
It urged customers to be wary before clicking on strange links, emphasising that DStv Rewards are only accessible through the MyDStv app.
Loading ...