A letter that looks official. A polite request to help those in need. And a police logo that gives it just enough authority to feel real.

This is how scammers are currently targeting the town’s residents, posing as members of the South African Police Service and asking for donations under the promise of food hampers and hot meal drives.

The scam has already begun circulating locally, with letters and messages claiming to come from a senior SAPS officer and requesting money to support vulnerable people in the area. While the cause sounds noble, the request is not. The Middelburg SAPS has confirmed that these donation appeals are fake. The police do not solicit money from the public via phone calls, emails, WhatsApp messages or social media, no matter how ‘official’ the wording or logos may appear.

What makes this scam particularly unsettling is the attention to detail and how authentic the scam comes across. By mentioning food relief efforts and community support, scammers are tapping into locals’ well-known willingness to help, especially at a time when many families are under pressure and struggle to provide for themselves.

Residents are urged to be cautious and to verify all requests claiming to be linked to the SAPS. Anyone unsure about a call or message can contact Middelburg SAPS directly on 013 249 1600 or 082 923 0053 before engaging further.

The public is also reminded never to share personal details or banking details with unverified individuals. Even small donations can lead to larger financial losses once scammers have your information. Suspicious activity should be reported to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Residents are encouraged to spread the word, particularly among elderly family members, local shop owners, and community groups who are often scammers’ first targets. In a town where word-of-mouth still matters and makes a difference, awareness can stop this scam in its tracks.