News
Sabric Release the 2025 Annual Banking Crime Statistics Report
Publication Date: 11/08/2026
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) is pleased to announce the publication of its 2025 Annual Banking Crime Statistics Report.
The report will be made available through SABRIC’s official communication channels, including the SABRIC website and social media platforms, and will also be distributed to media houses across South Africa.
The annual report is one of the most important publications produced by SABRIC and serves as a key source of information on banking-related crime trends affecting South Africa. It provides valuable insights into the latest criminal tactics targeting individuals, businesses, and financial institutions, while highlighting the collective efforts being made by the banking industry, law enforcement agencies, regulators, and other partners to combat financial crime.
The 2025 statistics reveal that financial criminals continue to target South Africans through increasingly sophisticated methods, particularly in digital banking environments. Some of the key findings include:
Digital Banking Crime remains the biggest threat, with reported losses increasing to R2.4 billion in 2025, up from approximately R1.9 billion in 2024. Banking app-related crime accounted for more than 70% of reported digital banking losses.
Card Fraud losses increased by 18%, reaching R1.7 billion, with card-not-present fraud continuing to be one of the most significant fraud types affecting consumers.
Home/Mortgage Loan fraudulent applications decreased slightly by 3.4%, from R599.7 million in 2024 to R595.9 million in 2025.
Encouragingly, ATM attacks declined by 46%, while associated cash losses dropped by 63%, reflecting the success of ongoing industry prevention measures.
Bank Robberies continued to decline, with only two reported incidents in 2025 compared to eight in the previous year.
SABRIC remains committed to protecting the integrity of the country’s banking ecosystem and safeguarding all South Africans who rely on banking services every day. The report reflects the banking sector’s ongoing commitment to understanding, preventing and responding to criminal threats that can have a significant impact on consumers and the broader economy.
The publication of the 2025 Annual Banking Crime Statistics Report marks an important milestone in informing the public, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and decision-makers about emerging risks and developments in the financial crime landscape. By sharing credible data and expert insights, SABRIC aims to empower South Africans with the knowledge needed to recognise threats, make informed decisions and take practical steps to protect themselves from criminal activity.
While criminals continue to adapt and refine their methods, the South African banking industry remains equally committed to staying ahead of evolving threats.
Through collaboration, intelligence sharing, public awareness and investment in security measures, the industry continues to strengthen its defences against AI-driven fraud, cybercrime, digital banking scams, card fraud, and other forms of financial crime.
SABRIC encourages all South Africans to follow the release of the report through its official platforms and to take advantage of the information and guidance that will be shared. Public awareness remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against financial crime, and informed consumers are better equipped to protect themselves and their finances.