Bank robberies plunge in South Africa as criminals change tactics
· The South African
Criminals are moving away from traditional bank robberies as they turn to digital fraud to steal money from South Africans.
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New banking crime statistics show a dramatic decline in physical attacks on banks and ATMs while digital crime continues to pose a major threat.
South Africa recorded just two bank robberies in 2025, down from eight in 2024, according to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC).
ATM attacks also fell sharply.
But criminals have not stopped targeting the country’s banking system. Instead, many have changed how they operate.
Digital banking crime costs billions
SABRIC’s latest banking crime statistics show that criminals increasingly target customers through digital channels.
Reported digital banking crime losses climbed to R2.4 billion in 2025, compared with about R1.9 billion in 2024.
Banking app-related crime accounted for more than 70% of reported digital banking losses.
Card fraud also cost consumers and financial institutions heavily.
Losses linked to card fraud increased by 18% to R1.7 billion, while card-not-present fraud remained a major concern.
Criminals can target customers remotely through phishing, social engineering, impersonation and stolen banking credentials.
Bank robberies continue to decline
The decline in physical banking crime marks a significant shift.
South Africa recorded only two bank robberies in 2025, compared with eight the previous year.
ATM attacks also fell by 46%, while cash losses linked to these attacks declined by 63%.
Improved security measures have made some traditional forms of banking crime more difficult.
However, criminals continue to adapt.
SABRIC has previously warned that criminals use social engineering to manipulate customers into sharing information or approving transactions.
How customers can protect their money
Consumers should treat unexpected requests for banking information with caution, even when a caller or message appears legitimate.
Customers should never disclose their PIN, password or OTP to someone who contacts them unexpectedly.
Consumers should also avoid accessing banking accounts through links sent by SMS, WhatsApp or email.
Instead, customers should open their bank’s official app or type the bank’s website address directly into their browser.
The sharp decline in traditional bank robberies represents progress for South Africa’s banking industry, but the latest figures show that criminals have increasingly moved the fight for consumers’ money online.