Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has warned customers not to respond to SMS messages claiming that the carmaker has partnered with gambling provider AfricaBet.
The warning follows a cybersecurity incident involving a third-party SMS platform used by Toyota to communicate with customers. According to TSAM, unauthorised messages promoting an alleged Toyota-AfricaBet collaboration were sent to customers.
Toyota said the affected platform has been secured, while cybersecurity specialists and the service provider investigate how the incident occurred and determine its full impact.
“Customers are advised not to engage with the contents of the message or click on any associated links,” Toyota said.
It remains unclear whether AfricaBet was involved in the incident or whether its name was simply used to make the fraudulent messages appear legitimate.
Toyota Investigates Cybersecurity Incident
Toyota said it is working with the third-party provider to establish the full scope of the incident and promised to provide further updates.
The company apologised to customers for the concern caused by the unauthorised messages.
Customers who receive suspicious communications can contact Toyota South Africa’s Information Officer at informationofficer.popia@toyota.co.za or call the customer contact centre on 0800 139 111.
Toyota also urged customers to remain cautious following a separate scam involving fake vehicle recall notices.
In that scheme, scammers reportedly contacted Toyota customers by email, phone or SMS, claiming that their vehicles were subject to a recall and should be collected for repairs.
Toyota advised customers to verify suspicious requests directly with their nearest dealership or through its official customer care channels.
Main Image: Reuters
