By Thapelo Molefe
South Africans were hit by 2.58 billion spam calls in January 2026, a 24.3% increase compared to the same month last year, according to new data released on Tuesday by caller identification app Truecaller.
Truecaller said blocked calls increased by 19.5%, from 864 million to 1.03 billion, while answered spam calls rose by 6.9%, from 208 million to 222 million. The sharpest jump was in spam messages, which climbed 61.3% year on year, from 369 million to 596 million.
ALSO READ: Gcaleka recuses herself from complaint against parly secretary Xolile George
“These numbers show that spam and scam activity is not stabilising, it is accelerating,” said Mmathebe Zvobwo, Director for Market Development in South Africa at Truecaller.
“The year on year increase in January alone tells us that scam operations are organised, persistent and adapting quickly.”
The January spike follows what the company said was a record
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
