By Malebogo Hirschfeld – Forensics Services Manager, Bank Gaborone
As the Easter holidays approach, many Batswana will be sending money home, transacting while on holiday, or shopping Easter celebrations. With more people using digital and mobile banking services, fraudsters see this as an opportunity to trick unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money.
Bank Gaborone, we understand that banking is personal. Therefore, we are committed to helping you protect what matters most – your money and your peace of mind. We do not just bank money. We bank people.
A New Era of Scams
Criminals are becoming increasingly smarter, no longer relying on outdated methods and tricks. As the national policies evolve to better protect customers, the fraudsters are also advancing to make their attacks more targeted, and harder to detect. Using AI-generated messages, voice-cloning software, spoofed caller IDs, and locally relevant details to make their deception believable. Whether it’s a call pretending to be from your bank, a fake website, or a deceptive SMS link, the goal is the same: to gain access to your money or sensitive information.
According to a Botswana Police Service alert released on 02 April 2025, there has been a noticeable rise in:
- Impersonation scams – where criminals pretend to be your bank, police officers, or even family members.
- Phishing messages – SMSes or emails that look like they are sent from your bank, asking you to “verify” your details.
- Emotional manipulation – stories designed to pressure you into acting fast, such as someone claiming a relative has had a near fatal accident or your pension needs urgent confirmation.
These scams are circulating not only in Gaborone and Francistown but also across the country.
Warning Signs to Look Out For:
You are your first line of defence. Be alert if you receive:
- Urgent messages pushing you to act quickly.
- Unexpected requests for your PIN, OTP, card details, or password.
- Messages with suspicious links asking you to “log in” or “confirm your account.”
- Calls from unfamiliar numbers claiming to be from your bank.
If something does not feel right or you are uncertain – pause. It is better to be safe than sorry.
What Bank Gaborone Will Never Do:
To protect you, please remember that Bank Gaborone will never:
- Ask you for your full card number, password or PIN over the phone or via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
- Tell you to move money to a “safe” or “holding” account.
- Pressure you into making an immediate financial decision.
Our systems are regularly upgraded, and our staff is trained to detect and prevent fraud. We also invest in educating our customers so they can recognise scams and respond with confidence.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe
Here is how you can protect yourself and your loved ones this Easter:
- Use strong passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Do not share your banking details with anyone – even if they claim to be from the bank.
- Always call our official number to verify anything suspicious
- Confirm the validity of promotions and competitions with the Bank Gaborone Facebook page
- Report fraud immediately. Your action could stop others from becoming victims too.
- Scams do not just steal money, they shake your sense of trust, peace of mind and security.
Scams do not just steal money, they shake your sense of trust, peace of mind and security.
For Bank Gaborone as your banking partner trust is everything. We remain committed to keeping your experience safe, secure, and empowering.
Call the Bank Gaborone Contact Centre at +267 31 586 81 for further information
Follow us on Facebook @BankGaborone for live updates, safety tips, and scam alerts
Remember to stay vigilant. Stay with Bank Gaborone.
Because when we work together, we stay one step ahead.
