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Starlink was designed and developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk.
The project was initiated to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access worldwide, particularly in rural and underserved areas. SpaceX engineers designed the satellite constellation, user terminals, and ground stations, with the first operational satellites launched in 2019. The system continues to expand, with thousands of satellites deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO)
to improve global connectivity.
Starlink uses a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver internet connectivity, bypassing traditional ground-based infrastructure like fibre optics or cell towers. Scammers exploit Elon Musk's name on Starlink to give their schemes credibility and legitimacy because of his global reputation as a tech innovator and billionaire entrepreneur.
As of 12 March 2025, Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite-based internet service, is unavailable in South Africa.
The primary obstacle is the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) regulations, which require
foreign-owned companies to have at least 30% Black South African ownership to operate locally. Elon Musk has publicly criticised these laws, stating that they prevent Starlink from operating in South Africa because he is not Black.
However, South African authorities have refuted this claim, emphasising that the issue is about compliance
with local laws rather than individual racial identity.
Neighbouring countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have already adopted Starlink services,
highlighting the disparity in access due to South Africa's regulatory environment.
MODUS OPERANDI:
TRUST THROUGH ASSOCIATION:
Elon Musk is widely respected, and anything linked to him gains instant credibility.
Scammers leverage this by falsely claiming that Musk has backed, endorsed, or personally run an investment, promotion, or service.
FAKE STARLINK INVESTMENT SCAMS:
Fraudsters create fake "Starlink investment opportunities," tricking victims into thinking they can invest in satellite technology.
They may use deepfake videos, AI-generated posts, or impersonation on social media to spread false claims that Musk is promoting exclusive investment deals.
FRAUDULENT STARLINK EQUIPMENT SALES:
Scammers offer fake or stolen Starlink kits at discounted prices, using Musk's name to convince buyers they are getting a legitimate deal.
Victims often pay upfront but never receive the equipment.
CRYPTO SCAMS AND FAKE GIVEAWAYS:
Musk's interest in cryptocurrency has made him a target for fraudsters who create fake Starlink crypto giveaways or claim that Musk is offering a new Starlink coin or blockchain investment.
PHISHING AND IDENTITY THEFT:
Scammers send fake emails, social media messages, or WhatsApp texts impersonating Starlink or Musk, asking users to provide personal details, leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
KEY FEATURES OF STARLINK:
GLOBAL COVERAGE:
This is especially useful in rural or remote areas where traditional internet providers have limited service.
LOW LATENCY:
Starlink satellites orbit much closer to Earth (around 550 km), offering lower latency (20-40 ms) than traditional satellite internet.
HIGH SPEEDS:
Typically ranging from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, Starlink Premium offers up to 500 Mbps.
SELF-INSTALL KIT:
Includes a satellite dish ("Dishy"), a Wi-Fi router, and cables for easy setup.
EXPANDING NETWORK:
SpaceX continuously launches satellites to improve coverage and performance.
WHO USES STARLINK:
People in rural or remote areas with limited broadband options.
Military, maritime, aviation, and emergency response teams.
Businesses need reliable internet in remote locations.
Travellers and RV owners are using Starlink Roam (formerly Starlink RV) for connectivity on the go.
HOW THE SCAM WORKS:
MISLEADING CLAIMS:
The ad makes several claims that are either misleading or outright false.
The ad makes several claims that are either misleading or outright false.
"Fully active Starlink kits for South Africa & all other countries! No Restrictions & No Expensive Roaming."
This is highly suspicious.
Starlink's availability and roaming policies are complex and depend on regional regulations and service plans.
It is unlikely a third-party reseller can bypass these restrictions.
"Comes with a FREE ZoneShifter—get connected instantly without delays!"
This "ZoneShifter" is likely a fabricated device or a rebranded product with inflated claims.
Starlink doesn't officially endorse or require such a device.
"Monthly subscription fee from R466!"
This price point is likely too good to be true.
Starlink's official pricing in South Africa is generally higher.
"We are giving away 134 ZoneShifters for FREE as a promotion this month only when someone orders a Starlink Kit."
Scammers use this classic scarcity tactic to create a sense of urgency.
UNAUTHORISED RESELLER:
The ad promotes a website, "skylinked.co.za," which is likely an unauthorised reseller of Starlink equipment.
These resellers often obtain equipment through unofficial channels and may sell it at inflated prices or provide faulty or unsupported devices.
POTENTIAL FOR FRAUD:
Bait-and-Switch: Customers may receive a different or inferior product than advertised.
Overcharging: Customers may be charged exorbitant prices for equipment and services.
Subscription Fraud: Scammers may collect subscription fees without providing actual Starlink service.
Data Theft: The website may collect personal and financial information for identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
The "ZoneShifter" is a big red flag.
There is no official device called a "ZoneShifter" that is affiliated with Starlink.
It is very likely a device that does nothing or is a cheap device marked up in price.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THESE SCAMS:
PURCHASE DIRECTLY FROM STARLINK:
The safest way to obtain Starlink equipment and services is to purchase directly from the official Starlink website (starlink.com).
However, keep in mind that Starlink does not currently comply with South African regulations and is not officially available in the country.
Attempting to use Starlink in South Africa may result in legal or connectivity issues, as the service is not licensed to operate within the region.
BE WARY OF THIRD-PARTY RESELLERS:
Avoid purchasing Starlink equipment from unauthorized resellers or websites.
VERIFY CLAIMS:
Be sceptical of claims that seem too good to be true.
Research Starlink's official pricing and service plans on their website.
CHECK FOR RED FLAGS:
Misleading or exaggerated claims.
Pressure tactics or scarcity claims.
Unusual payment methods.
Lack of contact information or physical address.
Unknown or new websites.
READ REVIEWS:
Search for reviews of the reseller or website online.
PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:
Be cautious about providing personal or financial information to unknown websites or individuals.
REPORT SCAMS:
If you encounter a potential Starlink scam, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the South African Police Service or the National Consumer Commission.
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