Back to Advance-Fee Loan Release Scam

This is a version of Advance-Fee Loan Release Scam.

Ithemba Loans 'Payout' with Release Fee

An email claims that “Ithemba Loans” will release a large payment to the recipient’s bank account, but says a “balance” must be paid first to complete the process. The message tries to look official by naming an “agent,” listing a street address in Benoni, and mentioning a website. It also appears “search-proofed”: when you Google the name, you may see a mix of light-weight directory pages, social media profiles, and generic “reviews” that make the operation look real. These are often low-effort pages with copy‑and‑paste text, few followers, and no working phone number — a common tactic to look legitimate. Despite this, the email comes from a free Gmail address and says the call center is “not available.” These are classic signs of an advance-fee scam: pay a smaller amount now to receive a larger payout later — which never arrives.

Ithemba Loans 'Payout' with Release Fee | Primary Image

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Uses a free Gmail sender (ithembaloans.co.feed@gmail.com) instead of the company domain

  2. Promises a large payout if a smaller “balance” is paid first

  3. Claims an “agent” already deposited an amount to build trust and urgency

  4. Subject line mimics a reply thread (“Re PAYMENT CONFIRMATION”) to look ongoing and legitimate

  5. Lists a real-sounding street address and website while saying the call center is “not available”

  6. Awkward phrasing and spelling errors (“payment disturbment”) common in scams

  7. South African context and currency (ZAR) to appear local and relatable

  8. Search tactic; when you Google the name, you may find thin “about us” pages, directory listings, TikTok/FB profiles, and generic review blurbs that repeat the same wording, show very recent activity, and offer no working phone number

  9. Search red flags to check; few followers or comments on social pages, copy‑and‑paste descriptions across multiple sites, stock photos, inconsistent addresses, and no way to reach a live person

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You receive an email, text, or call saying a large payment or loan has been approved and is ready to be released to your bank.

  2. 2

    Step 2: They say a smaller fee is still outstanding (for example, a R6,000 ‘release’ or ‘processing’ fee) and must be paid first.

  3. 3

    Step 3: To make it believable, they may claim an “agent” already made a partial deposit on your behalf, or they’ll list a business address or website.

  4. 4

    Step 4: After you pay, they invent new reasons to collect more fees — taxes, delays, compliance checks — or stop replying altogether.

✓ Do this

  • Pause and verify: contact the company using the phone number on its official website you find yourself (not numbers in the message).
  • Log in to your bank or lender account directly to confirm any promised funds.
  • Talk it over with a trusted friend or family member before sending any money.
  • Report the message to your bank and your national consumer/financial regulator.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not pay any upfront fee to receive a loan, prize, inheritance, or payout.
  • Do not trust emails sent from free addresses (like Gmail) that pretend to be a company.
  • Do not send money by bank transfer, gift cards, vouchers, or crypto to release funds.
  • Do not click links or open attachments from unexpected messages promising money.

Verbatim excerpts from the scam

Exact lines from emails or messages—searchable text so you can compare wording.

  1. 1 Excerpt 1
    From: Ithemba Loans <ithembaloans.co.feed@gmail.com> Date: Subject: Re: PAYMENT CONFIRMATION Good Day RECIPIENT_NAME Thanks for contacting Ithemba Loans We are texting to inform you that a deposit of R____ has been made by Agent Rebekah on behalf of you(her client) for your pending payment of R_____ to be released to your bank account immediately. Though, you must know that the amount required for the payment disturbment has not been completed as there is a balance of R_____ so once that is paid following the policies and protocols our company will release your total payments to your bank account Thank you. Regards, RECIPIENT_NAME iThemba Loans General Queries Division Call Center: Currently not available 🚫 Physical Address: 1 Dingler Street, Rynfield, Benoni Postal: Postnet 124 Private Bag×101, Farramere Address Website: www.ithembaloans.co.za

Screenshots & Examples