PROJECT: SKYLINKED/STARKLINK SCAMS – UNAUTHORISED AND FRAUDULENT SALES OF STARLINK KITS
- Isabel Spies
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
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Specialised Security Services has previously warned the public about Starlink-related scams.
Our initial project, which can be viewed here, details the risks and methods used by fraudsters:
This new project provides updated information on a specific fraudulent entity, SkyLinked,
which is actively scamming South Africans.
HOW THE SKYLINKED SCAM OPERATES:
SkyLinked presents itself as a legitimate supplier of Starlink satellite internet kits in South Africa. The scam typically unfolds as follows:
The victim sees an advertisement on Facebook or other platforms offering Starlink kits at attractive prices, often including a "free ZoneShifter."
They contact SkyLinked via WhatsApp (+27 68 558 6972) and are guided by a representative.
The representative provides detailed and convincing product information, offering payment via the website (skylinked.co.za) or direct bank transfer.
After payment is made, the victim receives an initial confirmation but no tracking details.
Follow-up requests for tracking are ignored, or the victim is redirected to contact via Facebook Messenger, where they are also ignored.
The victim never receives the product, and their funds are lost.
KEY RED FLAGS AND EVIDENCE OF FRAUD:
UNAUTHORISED SALES:
Starlink is not legally licensed to operate in South Africa.
Any company claiming to sell "fully activated" Starlink kits locally is likely operating illegally.
FAKE COMPANY DETAILS:
SkyLinked (Registration Number: 202505945007) is registered to an address in Richards Bay (Lakeview Terrace, Penny Lane).
However, there is no physical presence, and the company’s website and social media profiles list no legitimate street address.
Calls were made to (Lakeview Terrace, Penny Lane) to ask if there is such a place as SkyLinked, and it was confirmed that the place does not exist.
SHARED CONTACT DETAILS:
The same phone number (+27 68 558 6972) is linked to another suspicious website, space-signal.com, which also claims to sell Starlink kits.
NO LEGITIMATE WARRANTY OR SUPPORT:
Claims of 3–5-year warranties and "seamless support" are false.
Victims are ghosted after payment.
The client lost R 16,070.00 to the scam.
THE FOLLOWING PERSON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED DURING THE INVESTIGATION:
Full name: Nompumelelo Fortunate
Surname: Ngcobo
Age: 27
Bank account that was used where the client paid:
Nedbank
Account number: 132 5855 189
SHOULD YOU HAVE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PERSON,
PLEASE CONTACT THE DEDICATED SSS OPERATIVE:
MR. REINIER VAN DIJK
Contact number: +27 64 727 1651
E-mail address: reiniervd@mikebolhuis.co.za
PROTECT YOURSELF:
VERIFY AUTHORISED SELLERS:
Do not buy from unauthorised third parties. Make sure to do your research before buying from any company online.
CHECK COMPANY LEGITIMACY:
Look for verifiable physical addresses, landline numbers, and company reviews.
Avoid businesses that only use generic email addresses.
AVOID BANK TRANSFERS:
Use payment methods that offer buyer protection. Scammers often insist on direct EFTs.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:
If you encounter SkyLinked or similar scams, report them to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3).
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SCAMMED:
DISCONNECT AND SECURE:
If you have shared personal or banking information, disconnect your device from the internet and change all passwords immediately.
CONTACT YOUR BANK:
Notify your bank of the fraudulent transaction.
They may be able to reverse the payment or secure your account.
REPORT THE CRIME:
File a case with SAPS and report the scam to the relevant cybercrime units.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP:
If you have lost significant funds, consider contacting a professional investigator for assistance.
SkyLinked is a fraudulent operation preying on South Africans seeking affordable, high-speed internet.
By recognising the red flags and following the precautions outlined above,
you can avoid falling victim to this and similar scams.
Stay vigilant,
verify before you buy,
and do not let scammers exploit your trust.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
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4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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