The SAPS scam is getting bad, here is what you need to know about.
A disturbing scam is making its rounds in South Africa, and it has now reached alarming levels. The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) has issued a warning about fraudsters posing as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). These criminals use a mix of social engineering tactics, impersonation, and cyber scams to manipulate victims into handing over sensitive personal and financial information.
How the scam works: Fraudsters impersonate SAPS officers
The scammers initially contact their victims via phone calls, WhatsApp, or even video calls, pretending to be from a local SAPS station or a specialized unit. They claim that the victim’s personal details, including ID numbers, passport numbers, or bank accounts, have been linked to suspicious activities like airline ticket purchases, package deliveries, or even serious crimes such as human trafficking.
The fraudsters claim to be investigating whether the victim is a suspect or an unwitting accomplice. “Under the guise of investigating whether the victim is a suspect or an unwitting participant, the scammer creates a heightened sense of fear and urgency,” said SAFPS. The scammer presses the victim to prove their innocence immediately, threatening arrest and legal consequences.
Fake arrest warrants and intimidation
To escalate the situation, the fraudsters often send convincing fake documents such as arrest warrants and search and seizure orders, complete with official SAPS logos and legal jargon. These documents are carefully designed to mimic real government paperwork, making it difficult for victims unfamiliar with legal procedures to detect the fraud.
“Victims are often transferred to a second or third superior or specialist officer or department, reinforcing the illusion of a coordinated investigation,” explained Nazia Karrim of SAFPS. The fake officers adopt formal, intimidating tones to instill fear, leading the victim to believe they are part of an official investigation.
Scammer’s pressure tactics: Extortion and manipulation
The deception intensifies when scammers instruct victims to avoid their local police station, claiming it is infiltrated by corrupt officials. The victims are then pressured to join a video call where the scammer refuses to show their face, continuing the intimidation and coercion.
These criminals demand sensitive information like banking details, ID numbers, and screenshots of bank accounts. They then instruct victims to transfer money to a fraudulent account, claiming that it will be refunded once the victim’s innocence is established.
Another sinister trick involves convincing victims to install a fake SAPS mobile app that contains malware. This allows the scammers to access the victim’s phone and personal data remotely.
Financial institutions also issue alerts
The SAFPS’s warning comes in the wake of similar alerts from prominent banks like Nedbank and Discovery Bank. Both institutions have cautioned customers about these scams. Nedbank reported that fraudsters have been posing as bank employees from their fraud department or police officers. Meanwhile, Discovery Bank informed the public that fake detectives are contacting victims to falsely link them to fraud cases, pressuring them to transfer money.
Key red flags to spot the SAPS scam
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, SAFPS highlights the following warning signs:
Official police investigations are never carried out via WhatsApp or messaging apps. If someone claims to be from SAPS and tries to investigate or make arrests through these platforms, it is a major red flag.
Law enforcement does not conduct investigations via video calls. If a so-called police officer insists on a video call to take a statement, be suspicious.
Ask for identification and verify credentials. Genuine police officers will never hesitate to provide their ID. Always contact your local police station directly to confirm their identity.
Official documents are not sent via social media or messaging apps. SAPS will deliver all legal documents in person or through proper legal channels, never via WhatsApp or similar apps.
You are always allowed to contact your lawyer or a third party. If someone claiming to be a police officer tries to stop you from doing this. They are likely trying to manipulate you.
You cannot be forced to travel to a police station outside your province. Police investigations happen locally.
No legitimate officer will ever ask you to transfer money or share screenshots of your bank details. The SAPS and other authorities will never request funds to verify your innocence.
What to do if you are targeted
If something feels wrong during an interaction, the SAFPS urges you to hang up immediately. Don’t hesitate to contact your nearest police station for guidance. Additionally, report the incident to your local SAPS station and the SAFPS to help stop the scammers in their tracks.
Stay alert, and be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, messages, or video chats from supposed law enforcement officers.
Stay tuned with The South African as the SAPS scam is getting really bad.
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