In Focus

The Skybound Reach Scam: How a Hastily Assembled Scheme Preys on South Africans

A recent scam, operating under the name Skybound Reach, has come to light, targeting South Africans with promises of high daily earnings for minimal effort.

The scheme employs WhatsApp as its primary communication channel, sending scripted messages to entice victims with what appears to be an easy, work-from-home opportunity.

However, a deeper investigation reveals alarming discrepancies and clear signs of fraudulent activity.

  1. The WhatsApp Bait: A Scripted Trap

Here’s how the scam begins:

Victims receive a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be an HR Associate from “Skybound Reach Company”.

The message promises a part-time opportunity as a “brand reviewer and surveyor,” with potential earnings of up to R1,600 daily. The scam cleverly masks itself as a casual freelance gig, requiring no upfront commitments or full-time dedication.

However, the language of the message immediately raises red flags:

  • The claim that the recipient’s number was obtained through “employee referrals, recruitment platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and other recruitment agencies” is vague and implausible.
  • The emphasis on “totally free” registration is a hallmark tactic used to disarm scepticism.
  • The lack of specifics about the role or responsibilities is a deliberate attempt to lure victims into engaging further, at which point the scam likely escalates.
  1. Skybound-Reach.com: A Quickly Cobbled Website

Upon further investigation, the supposed company’s website, skybound-reach.com, was found to have been registered just six days ago, on 11 January 2025. This raises immediate concerns:

  • Domain Registrar: The site is registered through Gname, a Singapore-based registrar notorious for being associated with scam websites. A glance at their TrustPilot profile reveals a torrent of negative reviews from victims of fraud facilitated by Gname-registered domains.
  • Cambodian Domain Registrant: Although Skybound Reach claims to operate out of Colorado, USA, the domain registration details list Cambodia as the registrant’s location. Cambodia has gained notoriety as a hub for online scams, as highlighted in recent sanctions by the US State Department and BBC investigations.

This misalignment of details—combined with the website’s rushed design and lack of substantial content—further underscores the scam’s fraudulent nature.

  1. Suspicious South African Presence

Skybound Reach claims to have a South African office, listed as:

“KNYSNA ST, BAVIAANS LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, EASTERN CAPE.”

A closer examination of this address reveals significant discrepancies:

  • Baviaans Local Municipality ceased to exist in 2016 and is now part of the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, headquartered in Graaff-Reinet.
  • The address itself is vague, lacking street numbers, office buildings, or other identifying details. It seems like an arbitrary location chosen to give the scam an air of legitimacy.

The same pattern is seen with the company’s alleged international offices. Random street names, missing identifiers, and unverifiable locations dominate their “Contact Us” page. This scattershot approach is common among scammers who rely on fabricated addresses to project legitimacy.

  1. Not Registered in South Africa

Despite claiming operations in South Africa, Skybound Reach is not listed in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) database.

While there are 21 companies with “Skybound” in their names, none are associated with Skybound Reach. Furthermore:

  • The company is not licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) to operate in financial or investment-related capacities.
  • The lack of any formal registration with South African authorities eliminates any credibility the operation might attempt to convey.
  1. The Likely Intentions of the Scam

Based on the evidence and patterns observed, the Skybound Reach operation appears to have one or more of the following intentions:

  1. Identity Theft: Victims may be asked to provide personal information, such as ID numbers, banking details, or proof of residence, under the guise of “verification”. This information can then be sold or used to commit identity fraud.
  2. Advance Fee Fraud: Victims might later be asked to pay a “small” fee for training, onboarding, or access to tools required for the job. Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear.
  3. Money Laundering: Victims could be asked to process payments or perform transactions, unknowingly participating in illegal financial activities.
  4. Phishing: Engaging with the scammers might lead to the sharing of malicious links or attachments designed to compromise devices and steal sensitive information.
  1. Scammers Exploit South Africa’s Vulnerabilities

South Africa has become a frequent target for online scams due to economic challenges and high unemployment rates, making the promise of easy money particularly enticing. Additionally:

  • The use of WhatsApp, a widely used platform in South Africa, makes the scam accessible and far-reaching.
  • The scam leverages sophisticated tactics, such as vague professional language, to create a veneer of authenticity.

Protect Yourself: Red Flags to Watch For

  1. Too Good to Be True Offers: Promises of high earnings for minimal effort are a common hallmark of scams.
  2. Unverified Contact Details: Vague addresses, newly registered websites, and unverifiable company credentials are red flags.
  3. Pressure to Provide Information: Requests for personal or financial details should be met with caution.
  4. Check Registration: Verify any company’s legitimacy with the CIPC and FSCA.

The Final Verdict

Skybound Reach is a meticulously constructed scam that preys on the hopes and vulnerabilities of South Africans.

From its hastily registered website and fabricated addresses to its WhatsApp-based recruitment tactics, every aspect points to fraud. By raising awareness and educating the public, we can collectively work to prevent such scams from succeeding.

If you receive messages from Skybound Reach or similar entities, report them immediately to local authorities. Remember, vigilance is your best defence against online scams.

12 Comments

  1. Rachel Centner says:

    Who do I contact if I have a received a WhatsApp message from them

  2. Dennis Wallace says:

    Definitely a scam

  3. Kelly Nothnagel says:

    Just received the WhatsApp message, blocked and reported them. The English is terrible, and the profile picture is fake.

  4. Jauntele says:

    Just received the WhatsApp, “business number” registered to someone(no profile picture), but the “person” messaging me is another person. Also reported and blocked them.

  5. NATASHIA POSTHUMUS says:

    i also received a whatsapp, i block and report

  6. Thulani Sibisi says:

    Dawg just say “I hope you find Jesus.. then BLOCK!

  7. Joyan says:

    Thank you for your article. This was most helpful. I received a WhatsApp message as follows:
    From contact number: +27 66 181 6354
    “It’s a pleasure to contact you. My Name Katie Alves HR Assistant from SKYBOUND-REACH COMPANY..We got your number from Linkedln and different websites. Can you work from home with us as a Official Brands Reviewer and Surveyor part-time as a freelancer? Joining is totally free, with a salary earn up to 600 ZAR to ,1600 ZAR daily.

    Would you like to know more details about the job?”

  8. Jack says:

    I got this one:

    “Hello I’M HR Assistant from Skybound-Reach COMPANY. We got your number from Linkedln and different websites. Can you work from home with us as a Official Brands Reviewer and Surveyor part-time as a freelancer? Joining is totally free, with a salary earn up to six hundred -Eleven thousand’s to Three hundred Zar daily.
    Would you like to know more details about the job?”

  9. lisa says:

    I also got a WhatsApp message and blocked it,

  10. Jonathan says:

    I received this: “Kimberly Shyann
    Hello I’M HR Assistant from Skybound-Reach Company. Can you work from home with us as a Official Brands Reviewer and Surveyor part-time as a freelancer? Joining is totally free, with a salary earn up to six hundred to Eleven thousand Zar daily.
    Would you like to know more details about the job?”

  11. Molly says:

    I thought its authentic. They even paid me R3O (but i gave them the account I m not using). i JUST BLOCKED THEM NOW AND REPORTED THEM.

    What can I do now to be protected.

  12. Yonda Ndiki says:

    I just received one from a number 072 860 0906 and knew it was a scam, and decided to search google and saw this immediately

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