The 'free R300' ANC offer is fake. What to do if you clicked the link

The "instant free R300" offer doing the rounds in the ANC's name is fake. The party said on Monday, 26 October 2026, that it has not authorised or launched any cash giveaway as part of its campaign for the 4 November local government elections, and that the message is built to steal personal and banking details (The Citizen, Komani News).

If you got the message, don't click the link, don't reply and don't forward it, even to warn friends or family (The Citizen).

What does the fake R300 message ask for?

The offer comes with a link and promises R300 as an election-campaign handout. According to the ANC, people who follow it are asked for information such as their ID number, banking or card details, passwords and one-time PINs (OTPs), and may be told to pay a "processing fee" to release the money (The Citizen).

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said legitimate organisations do not ask for sensitive banking information or OTPs through unsolicited messages (The Citizen). The party warned that victims could face financial loss and identity theft (Komani News).

What should I do if I already clicked or shared my details?

The ANC's advice, which matches standing guidance from banks and police (The Citizen, SAPS):

• Call your bank straight away on the number on the back of your card or in its official app, not a number from the message.
• Check your bank account and statements closely for transactions you don't recognise.
• Change any password you typed in or that may be compromised.
• Report suspicious transactions to your bank and to the police.

If an OTP arrives on your phone when you haven't made a transaction, a criminal is probably using your details. Don't give that OTP to anyone and alert your bank (SABRIC).

If your phone suddenly loses signal where it normally works, check with your network that your SIM hasn't been swapped (SABRIC).

How can I tell a fake giveaway from a real one?

The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) says banks will never ask for your PIN, OTP or banking passwords, and that offers that sound too good to be true usually are (SABRIC). Asking you to pay a fee to receive free money is a clear warning sign.

The ANC said people should check any offer against its official communication platforms before believing or sharing it, and report fake accounts and suspicious links to the platform they appeared on and to law enforcement (The Citizen).