The locusts of 2025 – how scammers attempt to devour your crop

Feel free to reach out to Marzél Swart PSG Wealth Manager directly.

With 18 years’ experience in the investment industry with PSG, I have seen many schemes up close. From the infamous Sharemax scheme to the more recent Kleuterzone scandal, the patterns stay the same – easy promises, high returns, and eventually huge losses for trustful investors. However, worryingly, because of technology and artificial intelligence, people are more vulnerable than ever before, despite years and years of warnings and endless examples of schemes with incredibly sad outcomes.

Every week I see clients who have faced a barrage of fraud attempts. Some have been fortunate to escape in time, but others have already suffered heavy losses. It’s a battlefield out there. These so-called ‘locusts of 2025’ are a reality, not simply a metaphor. They manifest in various forms – crypto fraud, Ponzi and pyramid schemes, forex fraud, banking fraud, false websites providing access to your bank account, email phishing, and even so-called ‘trusted financial advisers’ offering misleading advice.

Not only inexperienced investors fall victim to fraud – even knowledgeable people with years of experience are targeted, as demonstrated by the numerous examples recently seen in the media. Fraudsters use advanced technology, smart marketing campaigns, and often emotional manipulation to gain people’s confidence.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The message to investors is simple: be vigilant and be wise.

Here are some practical examples of being vigilant:

1. Always check the authenticity of an investment opportunity – does it address your needs and goals?
2. Consult a registered financial adviser who has long been a trusted partner on your personal investment journey. You need peace of mind knowing that you can trust that person. Smart marketing makes it easy to become well-known overnight, but stick to firms like PSG Pretoria East, which has stood the test of time.
3. Be wary of any ‘quick buck’ promises or ‘guaranteed returns.’ Wealth creation doesn’t happen overnight – it requires compounding over time.
4. Take your time to decide. If someone is pushing you to make a decision using manipulation, intimidation, or domination, this is not coming from a good place.
5. Use strong two-factor verifications and change your passwords on a regular basis.
6. Stick to investments that are regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), with legislation in place to protect you.

Ultimately, the biggest protection against the locusts not only includes lists, passwords, processes, systems, and regulations, but also wisdom. And wisdom goes beyond mere knowledge – it’s the ability to apply the knowledge and insights you have, seeing through the noise of false promises, and making the best possible decisions in the process. Where vigilance keeps your eyes open, wisdom empowers you with the knowledge, insight, advice, and clarity to make the right decisions. Wisdom is the voice whispering and warning: “If it’s too good to be true, then walk away.”