Informal money lending (mashonisa) without registration
Lending money to neighbours at high interest, often keeping their bank or SASSA card until they pay back.
Why we advise against it
Lending money for interest needs registration with the National Credit Regulator once you meet its thresholds, and interest is capped by law. Keeping a borrower’s bank card, SASSA card or PIN is illegal. Unregistered lenders can lose the right to collect and face raids and charges.
Before you put in money or time
- Be wary of paying to start, to "unlock" earnings or to upgrade a level. Real employers and clients pay you.
- Check that it actually works for people in South Africa, and how you would be paid.
- Never share a one-time PIN (OTP), your banking login or a photo of your ID.
- Anything that takes your money to invest or trade must be authorised by the FSCA. Check the FSCA register first.
- If you earn mainly by recruiting people, it may be an illegal pyramid or multiplication scheme under section 43 of the Consumer Protection Act.
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Questions people ask
Is informal money lending without registration a good way to earn in South Africa?
Lending money for interest needs registration with the National Credit Regulator once you meet its thresholds, and interest is capped by law. Keeping a borrower’s bank card, SASSA card or PIN is illegal. Unregistered lenders can lose the right to collect and face raids and charges.
How do I check an offer like this?
Never pay a joining or activation fee, never share an OTP, and check investment offers on the FSCA register. Our free scam checker shows which known warning signs an offer matches.
Sources (3)
Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy · every option we have researched