Digital Agency Scams on Telegram & WhatsApp

Updated: 29 August 2025

Scams are, unfortunately, commonplace in South Africa, posing a significant challenge to individuals and businesses across the country. One of the latest scams doing the rounds is via trusted platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

Users receive a message from an unknown number offering the simplest job with which to earn up to R600 per day.

For many looking for a lucrative work-from-home opportunity, this sounds like a dream. The tasks include “liking and subscribing” to a few YouTube channels a day, or giving reviews for businesses through Google My Business or Google Maps.

Unfortunately, this job recruitment scam has falsely been associated with SOMS Digital. Therefore, we caution all individuals to please be vigilant and aware of this fraudulent activity.

Here’s a closer look at how the scam works:

Step One: A Friendly Greeting

Unsuspecting individuals are approached by someone with a fake name and company, in this case, SOMS Digital. This is done via Telegram or WhatsApp. The message often provides information on how you can enjoy part-time work by completing simple tasks.

The scam sounds tempting. After all, who doesn’t enjoy earning a few extra bucks each week? Once your interest has been piqued, they move on to the next step.

Step Two: Building Trust

What makes this scam so sinister is that victims will initially get paid for the tasks they complete. Payment methods may vary according to the individuals associated with the scam, but once you’ve provided the required information, you will be credited with the promised amount.

Step Three: The Twist

Earning money to subscribe to a few accounts or write a review sounds too good to be true, right? Unfortunately, it is. Once you’ve completed a number of “free” tasks, the fraudsters will then proposition you with the opportunity to earn more money.

The Twist: you’ll be asked to make a payment of around R1000 (again, this varies) which will then allow you to earn even more money from “premium” tasks.

After victims make the payment, they will either receive no further communication or be provided with low-quality or irrelevant tasks that do not come close to the promises made.

There are a few common red flags that you can keep your eye out for when being contacted by scammers. According to SOMS Sales Manager, Marco, unsolicited contact is one of the first signs you should start paying attention.

“If you receive unexpected emails, messages, or calls claiming to be from a company you’ve never engaged with, treat them with caution.”

That saying, ‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is,’ certainly holds true when dealing with con artists looking to take advantage of innocent individuals.

“Unrealistic promises of huge returns, extremely low prices, or guaranteed results often indicate a scam,” says Marco.

How to Spot Any Scam Associated with SOMS Digital:

We will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords or financial details through unsolicited messages.
We will never advertise vacancies via WhatsApp or Telegram offering money
Official communication from SOMS will always come from verified accounts with our official logo.
Check the email address and domain—official SOMS communications will be sent from somsdigital.co.za; somsdigital.com and somsdigital.co.uk.
We do NOT communicate through Telegram

As Marco explains, here’s what you can do:

Verify the source by checking our official website or contact us directly through published channels, not through links provided through suspicious messages.
Do not engage further. Stop replying to emails, calls or messages.
Report it. Many platforms (like email providers, social platforms and banks) have ways to help you report scams.

“If you believe someone is impersonating SOMS Digital or offering services under our name that don’t seem genuine, please reach out to us directly via our official website. We take scams very seriously and are committed to protecting your digital marketing experience. We also recommend blocking the individual’s number or blacklisting their email address to prevent further contact,” explains Marco.