Capitec sets traps for scammers' mule accounts

South Africa's largest bank Capitec (26.6 million clients) keeps detected mule accounts open and holds incoming funds so criminals waste their investment. A second measure, the "landmine selfie", triggers a surprise biometric check when money is moved out. Digital banking crime cost South Africans R2.41-billion in 2025, up 29.2% year on year.

• Capitec leaves mule accounts looking active and holds funds for recovery
• A surprise selfie check fires when someone tries to move money out
• A mule account costs a syndicate under R500, so blocking 300 costs R150 000
• Digital banking crime claims in South Africa hit R2.41-billion in 2025, up 29.2%