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Scams

We’re protecting you

At Pick n Pay we are serious about helping you stay safe online and doing our part to protect your data and accounts with us. We urge you to stay safe from the threat of online fraud, through phishing schemes or identity theft.

We are continually becoming aware of scams being spread by social media, email or even WhatsApp. These scams use sneaky techniques to trick you, our customer, into thinking Pick n Pay, Smart Shopper, our Online Shopping team or other related services are giving away vouchers, running competitions, etc and requesting personal information to facilitate such opportunities. These scams may look very realistic and may even use our branding and templates or appear to come from valid email addresses. Please check with us if you are unsure of any promotions that seem to good to be true.

Scams typically ask users to perform a specific action under duress (for a limited time period) such as:

  • clicking a link,
  • opening an attachment,
  • completing a questionnaire, or
  • sharing your, your family or friend's personal information (email, ID number, Smart Shopper card number, username, password and OTP - one time password).

Falling for one of these scams could result in your accounts being accessed by unauthorised parties which could mean a breach of your privacy, identity theft, unauthorised spending of your Smart Shopper points or even unauthorised spend on your credit or debit card.

How to Protect Yourself
  • Only enter your Smart Shopper or Online Shopping account details on the official Pick n Pay website (www.picknpay.co.za) or mobile app installed on your phone.
  • Don't use public or internet cafe computers to access your Pick n Pay or banking accounts
  • Be wary of following links from emails sent to you, the safest thing to do is to instead enter the address manually into your web browser and ensure you are accessing the official site.
  • Don't blindly trust websites with "https", this only means the communication is secure but does not verify the website owner is not malicious
  • Install and regularly update antivirus software and ensure that the operating system on your PC or mobile device is up to date
What to do
  • If you ever receive an email, WhatsApp or sms that you suspect is impersonating Pick n Pay, you should contact us on the Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.
  • If you think any of your Pick n Pay accounts has been compromised, you should contact us on the Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.
  • To see a list of current scams that we are aware of at any time or for some additional online security tips, visit our official website www.picknpay.co.za and select the "scams" tab from the useful links menu item at the bottom of the site.

LATEST KNOWN SCAMS

Stay up to date with the latest known scams either targeting Pick n Pay customers or using Pick n Pay to target you.

If you are ever unsure, please call the Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • January 2022: Pick n Pay Voucher scam
    We have been alerted to a fake email voucher scam from a fictitious email URGENT (support@pnp) with the subject title of “Your R3000 Free Pick n Pay Voucher”. It requests users to download and register their free E- Voucher by confirming your email address.

    This is not from a valid Pick n Pay email address and is not affiliated with Pick n Pay, promotion nor is it supported by us. We urge you not to click on any embedded links, capture personal information or forward / share such scams. We are in the process of reporting the source email account to the relevant parties in an attempt to put a stop to the scam. 

    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • October 2021: Pick n Pay 50th Anniversary Voucher Scam
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to customers via Whatsapp. The scam is a Whatsapp message requesting you to participate in a survey with a chance to win R4000 by following this link http://facesmile.top/pnp/tb.php?_t=16346224251634622540617. The abovementioned link will subsequently redirect you to this link https://subtlelight.xyz/qWKuhU9f/pnp/?_t=1634626302245#1634626304054, where you will be asked to answer four Pick n Pay related questions.

    This is not a promotion from Pick n Pay and is a scam! Please do not click on any of the links attempting to capture your personal information.  

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • August 2021: Pick n Pay 50th Anniversary Celebration Voucher Scam
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to customers via Whatsapp. The scam is a Whatsapp message requesting you to participate in a survey with a chance to win R4000 by following this link https://bonemansion.top/pnp/tb.php?_t=16303107181630310798448. This is not a promotion from Pick n Pay and is a scam! Please do not click on any of the links attempting to capture your personal information.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • August 2021: 50th Anniversary Cash Prize Giveaway
    We have been alerted to a post on some social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp) advertising fictitious giveaways based on a completion of a survey which contains four questions. (Link: http://t0niywm.cn/831eY0lzcXt6AlYIY2E8EVdZAXMpLwVmIwNHeWsxNxcyKwszRBJcJXweKw?fhw1629719082230)

    The page and linked sites are fake, this is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information and don’t sign up for unrelated services linked to these sites.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • August 2021: Job Postings
    We have been alerted to a promoted Facebook post advertising jobs / positions, relating to Pick n Pay.

    The page and linked positions are not supported by or associated to Pick n Pay. These could be fake job postings. We urge you not to share the posts or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information and don’t submit any payments for applications / clearance checks.

    Pick n Pay does not use generic websites or Facebook to advertise jobs / positions. Use only the Pick n Pay official website's career page https://www.pnp.co.za/pnpstorefront/pnp/en/careers for information on a career at Pick n Pay. Only submit CVs for related job vacancies via: https://picknpay.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • July 2021: PnP Clothing Scam
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to customers via email. The scam is an email welcoming you to Pick n Pay Clothing and then requesting to save your delivery address and contact numbers under your account profile. This is not an automated email from Pick n Pay or Pick n Pay Clothing and is a scam! Please do not click on any of the links attempting to capture your personal information.  

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • July 2021: Tyme Bank SMS Scam
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to Tyme Bank customers and members via SMS. The scam claims that you have earned 5000 Smart Shopper points with a link to activate the points onto your Tyme Bank card. This is not an active promotion from Pick n Pay or Tyme Bank and is a scam! Please do not click on the link attempting to redeem any bonus Smart Shopper points.  

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications.  When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • June 2021: Fake Free Voucher Scam
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to various members of the public via email. The scam claims that a voucher is ready for customers to download that is attached to the email. The email appears to come from “support@picknpay.co.za” but this is a spoofed email address. No such Pick n Pay email address exists and this is a scam! Do not attempt to download the voucher or pass on this email to others.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • January 2021: Fake R1500 Coupon Promotion
    We have been alerted to a scam which is being sent to various members of the public via Facebook and other social media platforms. The scam claims that Pick n Pay is giving away R1500 coupons to loyal customers on completion of a questionnaire. The linked website URL (www.pick-n-pay-za.jumontlht.uk.com) is a scam! Do not follow the link, share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information on the site. The website and any linked adverts on social media are not managed or supported by Pick n Pay. The site is fake and attempts to phish your details.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

 

  • December 2020: Facebook Voucher scam
    We have been alerted to a fictitious voucher scam on facebook offering a R5000 shopping voucher. This scam was posted on a facebook page named Pick n Pay Vouchers offering customers to sign up by registering at hxxps://voucherking.co.za in order to qualify.  

    This is not a valid Pick n Pay promotion and is not affiliated with Pick n Pay nor is it supported by us. We urge you not to click on any links or register and share your information on this facebook page or website. We are in the process of reporting the source facebook account and website to the relevant parties in an attempt to put a stop to the scam.

    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.



  • November 2020: Voucher scam
    We have been alerted to a fake email voucher scam from a fictitious email address (cybermonday@picknpay.co.za) with the subject title of “Pick n Pay Voucher”. The email claims to be from the PnP Online Shopping Voucher Dept and states that the person has won a voucher to the value of R1500 as part of a cyber Monday promotion. It requests users download their free voucher by downloading a linked attachment.

    This is not from a valid Pick n Pay email address and is not affiliated with Pick n Pay, promotion nor is it supported by us. We urge you not to click on any embedded links or forward / share such scams. We are in the process of reporting the source email account to the relevant parties in an attempt to put a stop to the scam.

    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • November 2020: R1500 Voucher Scam Email
    We have been alerted to a fake email voucher scam from a fictitious email address (blackfriday@picknpay.co.za) with the subject title of “Pick n Pay Voucher”. The email claims to be from the PnP Online Shopping Voucher Dept and states that the person has won a voucher to the value of R1500 in preparation for Black Friday. It requests users download their free voucher by downloading a linked attachment.

    This is not from a valid Pick n Pay email address and is not affiliated with Pick n Pay, any Black Friday promotion nor is it supported by us. We urge you not to click on any embedded links or forward / share such scams. We are in the process of reporting the source email account to the relevant parties in an attempt to put a stop to the scam.

    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • November 2020: Fake Google Advert – Mr Ackerman
    We have been alerted to a Google Advert that links people to malicious / fake websites (eg: hxxps://www.theanimeintrovert.com/forward-fast/?campid=11450321027&creaid=479911709239&sitenm=ewn.co.za&catego=ewn.co.za&keywrd=&device=&mtchtp=&netwrk=d&dvctyp=c&adposn=none).

    These pages are popping up as valid GoogleAds on the EWN.co.za website. These sites are not affiliated with Pick n Pay or Raymond Ackerman nor supported by us. We urge you not to sign up or forward / share such scams. In our efforts to report such scams, such websites may be taken-down and another created. So, please be careful before you submit any personal information or make any payments.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications.
    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.





  • November 2020: Fake Website – Bitcoin Scam
    We have been alerted to a fake website (hxxps://www.programol.com/) promoting a new cryptocurrency investment platform called Immediate Edge. The site replicates a well-known digital news site Fin24 and claims that PnP’s founder Raymond Ackerman has invested.

    This site is not affiliated with Pick n Pay nor supported by us. We urge you not to sign up or forward / share such scams. In our efforts to report such scams, such websites may be taken-down and another created. So, please be careful before you submit any personal information or make any payments.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za) for promotions and communications.
    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • November 2020: Job Postings
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts advertising various jobs / positions, some of which have images relating to Pick n Pay (page: Phaphama Logistics PTY hxxps://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Transportation-Service/Phaphama-Logistics-PTY-1259339084233868/).

    The page and linked positions are not supported by or associated to Pick n Pay. These could be fake job postings. We urge you not to share the posts or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information and don’t submit any payments for applications / clearance checks.

    Pick n Pay does not use generic websites or Facebook to advertise jobs / positions. Use only the Pick n Pay official website's career page https://www.pnp.co.za/pnpstorefront/pnp/en/careers for information on a career at Pick n Pay. Only submit CVs for related job vacancies via: https://picknpay.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.



  • October 2020: Fake R3500 coupon claiming to be associated to Pick n Pay
    We have been alerted to an email advertising a R3500 coupon for Pick n Pay’s 54th anniversary, and claiming to be associated to Pick n Pay. The email addresses are fake. This is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others personal information to the URL address (hxxp://www.pnp-co-za.club/).

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • October 2020: Fake e-Voucher Claiming to be associated to Pick n Pay
    We have been alerted to an e-Voucher advertising a R1500 voucher and claiming to be associated to Pick n Pay. The email addresses are fake This is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others personal information to the Gmail address, or the voucher address (fzimbizi.chigama@gmail.com / Esupports@pnp.co.za).

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.



  • September 2020: Fake Employment scam
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts advertising fictitious jobs for Packers and the website being: pnpapplication-0968c-gr8.com using email address: Picknpaychecks2@gmail.com The page and linked sites are fake, this is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others' personal information and don't sign up for unrelated services linked to these sites.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • September 2020: Fake Birthday Week Gift Giveaway
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts advertising fictitious giveaways based on completion of a survey for a weekly birthday gift giveaway
    (page: Rockdiagar and website hxxps://motaelta.club/v2/sam/survey/za/pnp/index.php?key=jegboee7qb47okp153yu&adset.name=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&ad.name=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D&ad.id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D).

    The page and linked sites are fake, this is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others.
    Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information and don’t sign up for unrelated services linked to these sites.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications.
    When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.





  • September 2020: Fake spaza shop business proposition
    We have been alerted to emails and other notification advertising fictitious business opportunities relating to Pick n Pay Spaza Shop Containers from R300 000 as supported Gauteng Economic Development program. The email requests interested parties to fill in and submit attached forms to a company, 5 Point Business Consulting. The mail is from a Mr Carl Lewis (5pointbiz@gmail.com).

    Please do not send your personal information to this email address and do not pay any money over! Pick n Pay is not affiliated with this proposition or 5 Point Business Consulting. This is a scam.

  • September 2020: Fake job posts
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts and emails advertising fictitious employment opportunities for Pick n Pay. This post direct people to fake email addresses (picknpayverify5@gmail.com) to submit their CVs or pay an application fee to move forward with the recruitment process.

    Please do not send your personal information to this email address and do not pay any money over! Pick n Pay does not use generic websites or Facebook to advertise jobs / positions and we do not charge an application fee. Use only the Pick n Pay official website's career page https://www.pnp.co.za/pnpstorefront/pnp/en/careers for information on a career at Pick n Pay. Only submit CVs for related job vacancies via: https://picknpay.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx

  • August 2020: Fake job posts on Facebook
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts advertising fictitious employment opportunities for Pick n Pay. This post links people to a fake email address (picknpaycareers@gmail.com) to submit their CVs to. They are then prompted to pay an application fee to another address (pnpchecks2@gmail.com)to move forward with the recruitment process.

    Please do not send your personal information to this email address and do not pay any money over! Pick n Pay does not use generic websites or Facebook to advertise jobs / positions and we do not charge an application fee. Use only the Pick n Pay official website's career page https://www.pnp.co.za/pnpstorefront/pnp/en/careers for information on a career at Pick n Pay. Only submit CVs for related job vacancies via: https://picknpay.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.

  • August 2020: Fake job posts on Facebook / Pnet
    We have been alerted to Facebook posts on a group called "Fresh jobs for 2020" advertising fictitious employment opportunities for Pick n Pay. This post links people to a fake website (hxxps://linkr.in/Pnetsjob247?fbclid=IwAR1TJhkt2rjAzVAFDKRfJMHBHCGvAWcivGnnOI7lk8t0r4Tc242tA8sOZYk) which lists job opportunities for various companies. The site then links to other malicious sites.

    Please do not click on these adverts or linked sites! Pick n Pay does not use generic websites or Facebook to advertise jobs / positions. Use only the Pick n Pay official website's career page https://www.pnp.co.za/pnpstorefront/pnp/en/careers for information on a career at Pick n Pay. Only submit CVs for related job vacancies via: https://picknpay.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/Browse.aspx

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.




  • August 2020: Fake bitcoin platform linked to Mr R Ackerman
    We have been alerted to a fake website making reference to Mr R Ackerman and an investment opportunity using a bitcoin trading platform, Bitcoin Evolution. The site URL is: hxxps://theoasisbloom.com/products/fantastic-oils?fbclid=IwAR3kZRHdmrygvotTtG7TEAv8Ev4Zc0wKmtzR-Q9_82C_yQVXk6AIpvMkwTA. The fictitious “The South African” article links to various other websites that then require you to capture personal information and make monetary deposits in order to join the scheme. The article and site is fake, this is a scam! Do not share the post or pass onto others. Do not submit any of your or others’ personal information and don’t follow any of the links on this site.

    Please note, always refer back to the Pick n Pay official Facebook page or our official website (https://www.pnp.co.za/) for promotions and communications. When in doubt, contact our Customer Careline on 0860 30 30 30.


Here’s a list of ways we’re protecting you online, with a few tips for your online safety.

keep your smart shopper account secure

Your Smart Shopper points are valuable! You can switch to cash back on card, airtime, partner rewards and much more so you’ll definitely want to keep your account safe.

Here are a few tips that’ll help:

  • Keep your Smart Shopper number and your ID number secure; never loan them out for any reason.
  • Be aware when you are at the Smart Shopper kiosk as you would be at an ATM; don’t accept help from strangers and never let someone handle your card
  • Keeping your contact and account details up to date helps us keep your points safe. Check and update your details online or on the mobi app.

verification

Even if you lose your card, someone else using it at the Smart Shopper kiosk still needs to have your ID number to use your points.

In this way, as long as you keep your ID number secret, your points are secure.

suspicious behaviour

We can, in most cases, observe suspicious behaviour on Smart Shopper accounts; in such cases we will automatically block your Smart Shopper card to reduce risk to your account. You will then have to collect a new Smart Shopper card in-store and phone the Customer Careline to have your points transferred fom your old card, to your new card.

it’s in your hands

It’s now possible to update your account with the Pick n Pay Mobile App and Pick n Pay Online. This means that you have more control than ever over your account details, and we all know keeping your account up to date is a great way to stay secure.

6 Tips to keep your guard up

YOUR PASSWORD MUST BE SECURE

Choosing a password that is both memorable and complex can be tough, but there are ways to make it easier for you and difficult for would-be hackers:

  • Make sure your password is at least 8 characters long, the longer it is , the more secure you are.
  • Use a mix of UPPERCASE and lowercase letters, including special symbols -#$@! for example.
  • Replace letters with symbols or numbers. @ = a, 3 = S, & = B. The important thing is to remember which symbols or numbers you’ve used.
  • Steer clear of obvious names or words, there are still too many that use “P@SSWORD” or their name as a password.
  • If you have to use numbers, avoid birthdays, postal codes, or easy-to-guess sequences like”1234”.
  • Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts so that if one is cracked, the others remain secure.

You can continually protect yourself by changing your password regularly. For more tips and advice, visit Get Safe Online.

shop online safely

When buying online, ensure that the site you are visiting is secure - there are a few hints to make this simple:

  • Check the URL; secure sites will show you https://- the s after the http shows you that it’s secure.
  • If you are unsure about a retailer, search Hello Peter or Google to see if anyone else has had issues or problems with the retailer.
  • Does the site you are visiting look suspicious? Typos, poor images and errors are often good signs that the retailer is not trustworthy.
too many passwords to remember?

Having many passwords is one of the best ways to secure your accounts online, but it can be a challenge to remember them all. One handy tip is to have a core password that changes depending on the account.

For example, if your password is rEPp0h$ (shopper backwards):

  • Check the URL; secure sites will show you https://- the s after the http shows you that it’s secure.
  • If you are unsure about a retailer, search Hello Peter or Google to see if anyone else has had issues or problems with the retailer.
  • Does the site you are visiting look suspicious? Typos, poor images and errors are often good signs that the retailer is not trustworthy.

wifi isn’t secure

Be extra careful with your accounts when using WiFi hotspots, as they are not always secure. If you ever log into your accounts using WiFi, make sure you log out of those accounts when you are finished. Follow the link for more on Public WiFi Hotspots.

email scams

When someone compromises your email account, they could use it to send nasty links to your address book - this is in order to use your trustworthy email address to trick others. If you’re ever emailed a single link from a friend’s email address that seems suspicious, ignore it and speak to your friend about it first. Follow the link for more on Email Scams.

SECURE YOUR MAIL

Don’t leave any envelopes or letters that can be used to find your address in any public places or even bins. Try to have your personal information and letters shredded to protect yourself and if you ever move, make sure to update your address or set up a mail redirect. Follow the link for more on Identity Theft.

Use trusted anti-virus software

Find a reputable anti-virus software program for your computer or phone to protect yourself from malicious links and programs – as many malicious programs pretend to look like anti-virus software, try to install only trusted programs. Follow the link for more on Viruses and Spyware.

TOP TIPS

browser warning

When surfing the internet, your browser may warn you about sites known for malware or viruses - when this happens, it’s always safer to close the tab or window than continue. Follow the link for more on Browser Warnings.

phishing scams

Phishing is when fraudsters pose as a trusted institution, like a bank or Pick n Pay, for example in doing this they attempt to get your personal details. These details can include phone numbers, your ID number, address and more. The best way to avoid phishing scams is to never open links in suspicious sites. This can also be done over the phone, which is called vishing and is just as dangerous. Follow the link for more on Phishing Scams.

INSTALL UPDATES

To ensure your phone computer is secure, it’s a good idea to keep your operating system or anti-virus software up to date, as they often patch up vulnerabilities that hackers take advantage of. The more up-to-date your software is, the harder it is to crack. Follow the link for more on Installing Updates.