The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged the public to stay alert after a scam targeting residents across several provinces resurfaced, using fake letters and phone calls to impersonate police officers.
According to the SAPS, these fraudulent letters often carry the official police logo and appear legitimate, sometimes including the names and contact details of senior officers and real police stations. However, in many cases, scammers also invent names of non-existent stations to strengthen the illusion.
“These fake letters, often distributed via WhatsApp, bear the SAPS logo and contain the names, contact details of senior SAPS officers and the addresses of legitimate SAPS offices,” said the police in an official statement.
Scam Tailored to Location
Furthermore, the scam has evolved in sophistication. The letters’ content is often adapted to the recipient’s location, with subtle changes to names, addresses, and contact persons, making it harder for victims to detect the fraud.
“Also, these WhatsApp messages are preceded by phone calls from individuals posing as police officials,” SAPS said.
“[They] falsely claim that criminal cases have been opened against the victim. These ‘police officers’ then coerce the victim to pay over a certain amount to make his or her supposed case to ‘disappear’.”
Moreover, the calls often cause panic and confusion, with scammers using fear tactics to pressure victims into paying money or divulging sensitive personal information. Victims have unknowingly surrendered ID numbers, banking details, and addresses in several instances.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Additionally, the SAPS has stressed that it does not contact the public via WhatsApp or video calls under any circumstances. Citizens are strongly advised not to respond to suspicious calls or messages.
“Do not provide or confirm any personal information such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details,” police warned.
“Do not pay these ‘scammers’ any money.”
Anyone who receives such communication or has already engaged with the scammers is encouraged to report the incident and open a case at the nearest police station.
As cybercrime and digital fraud become more sophisticated, will South Africans be able to stay one step ahead of the scammers?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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