The JSE Limited, its affiliates, and subsidiaries (“JSE”) have noted a rise in the number of alleged scams and fraudulent activities reported. The JSE urges members of the public to exercise vigilance and to be cautious when interacting with entities and/or groups that purport to be the representatives of, or authorized by, the JSE, especially when these entities make contact on social media platforms.

 

Mark randal deep fake

 

Important notice regarding a deepfake video scam impersonating Mark Randall distributed on WhatsApp

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has become a target for impersonation scams, particularly on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Scammers are posing as JSE personnel or using fraudulent logos and branding to mislead the public. Fraudsters may use AI-generated audio and video to impersonate JSE staff, making it appear as if messages or interviews come directly from official personnel.

New threat: deepfake videos

Fraudsters may use AI-generated audio and video to impersonate JSE staff, making it appear as if messages or interviews come directly from official personnel.

Signs to watch for:

  • Videos or voice clips circulating outside official JSE channels.
  • Unusual speech patterns, facial expressions, or poor syncing.
  • Messages pressuring you to invest or share personal data.

 Always verify video content through official JSE sources before acting. When in doubt, pause and check.

Beware of fake JSE trading apps targeting investors

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has been made aware of fraudulent platforms falsely claiming affiliation with the JSE and offering automated trading services. These scams, often disguised as advanced AI-driven apps, lure unsuspecting users with promises of guaranteed returns and access to insider tools.

Below are some examples: 

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

ai jse

 

Common red flags:

  • Unsolicited direct messages offering investment opportunities or job placements.
  • Fake profiles claiming to represent JSE executives.
  • Posts with high-return promises or secret investment “tips.”
  • Suspicious links directing users to clone websites.

Always remember

JSE does not solicit investments, distribute job offers, or request personal data via social media platforms. If in doubt, reach out to the JSE directly via https://www.jse.co.za/ or their verified communication channels.

 

What can you do?

  • Verify Profiles: Always check for official verification badges or contact JSE directly.
  • Don’t Click: Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: Flag impersonators to platform moderators and the JSE.
  • Protect Your Info: Never share personal or financial details via social media.

How to stay safe

Verify FSP credentials: Use the FSCA’s official search tool to confirm registration.

 

Reported scams in the market
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Look out for these types of phrases

Here is a set of scam phrases paired with eye-catching titles that expose the underlying manipulation tactics, perfect for fraud awareness campaigns that aim to inform and protect.

“You can become a millionaire in just 2 months.”

“… If you give me R4700, I will turn them into R15000 without even getting up from the couch".

“…You do not have to work at all. ..Why would a taxi driver, physician, policeman or school teacher go to work when they can earn way more money only using technology and five minutes of their time a day?"

“..I will make a million in just 12-15 weeks!” “..If you do not withdraw your profit, the first million can be earned in a maximum period of 4 months”

“Checking your balance and withdrawing your earnings is all you need to do.”

“…It works faster and more accurately than a whole staff of professional investors. The main feature this platform has is that it can work automatically. The user does not need to do anything! “

“I do not know how long this loophole will be free to use. I hope you use it before it is shut down. By the way, I heard that in a few days the registration on the platform will be paid so I recommend that you open an account right now".

 

JSE reported ongoing scams

Members of the public are warned that the following entities and/or WhatsApp Group and/or individuals listed below are involved in an impersonation scam of the JSE and individuals. None of these groups or types of groups are authorised by the JSE and none of the investments or applications referred to are authorised or endorsed by the JSE.

Richard Mouton; Joziex; JSE Global Stock Return Competition; World Stock Trading Competition; World Stock Strategy Competition; JSE Customer Services 1009; JSE Securities Stock App; S7 JSE Stock Strategy Group; Zibex Finance; 38VIP JSE Stock Strategy; JSE Stock Strategy Group 62; JSE Stock Strategy Group VIP10; VIP108 Stock Strategy Group; Jozistock Securities; VIP 845 JSE Stock Strategy Group.

Note: the names and/or references may vary as they are taken down so the above is not an exhaustive list.

Do not accept requests from any WhatsApp group or social media account displaying a JSE logo and/or JSE name or reference. Do not make payment of any amount in response to any of these requests. The JSE does not recruit investors in this manner and the way to trade is through a JSE Member/broker – who will not engage in such a manner on social media platforms.

scam alert

In the news

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JSE Launches ‘Verify a Broker’ Tool

20.05.2024
With scams on the rise, the JSE has launched a new user-friendly, free tool that empowers people looking to invest their money to check whether the financial professionals they deal with ...
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Types of scams

In the context of the JSE – the Scams are focused on business and investment fraud. Many scams entice investors with the promise of very high returns coupled with assurances that the investment is entirely safe or that there is a very low and unlikely risk of the promised high returns not being realised.  In many instances the fraudsters place pressure on investors by saying that time is of the essence and that the opportunity will be lost if the investor does not invest immediately.

Anti fraud awareness
Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters often impersonate organizations or individuals to lure victims into scams, often on social media platforms. They may impersonate JSE, JSE employees, or legitimate investment professionals like JSE Members by methods such as phone calls, voicemails, text messages, messages via social media (especially WhatsApp Groups), e-mails, letters, and certificates—all of which may falsely appear to be from the JSE.

Anti fraud awareness
Advance Fee Scams

The fraudsters will also place pressure on investors by asking for a large amount in cash in exchange for guaranteed future returns.

Report Scam
telemarketing scams
Telemarketing Fraud Scams

Scammers try to steal your money over the phone, whether by telling you they are an agent of the JSE, phoning on behalf of the JSE, or using some other approach.

 

 

Dr. Leila Fourie, our CEO's impersonation 

Our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Leila Fourie, has only one official verified LinkedIn social media account (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilafourie/).

Any other social media accounts on other platforms that impersonate or pretend to be Leila Fourie (either with her name and/or photograph) and/or represent the JSE in any manner should be treated as suspicious.
The public is urged not to engage with these accounts.

These are fraudulent Facebook accounts created to impersonate Leila Fourie, JSE Group CEO.

https://www.facebook.com/leila.fourie.2024/ 

These accounts below have been reported for impersonation:

scam

 

   whatsapp scams

How does the JSE deal with scams?

Insofar as the unauthorised use of the JSE’s name and trademarks is used in scams or fraudulent activities we actively report these to the social media platforms as unauthorised use of JSE trademarks for removal/takedown.

In instances where the JSE believes there is a contravention of the provisions of the Financial Markets Act, the JSE reports these to the Financial Conduct Sector Authority (FSCA) for investigation.

scam alert