SAPS has cautioned the public about a phishing scam in which criminals misuse the SAPS name and insignia to trick victims into handing over money or revealing personal information.

“Fake letters are distributed, often via WhatsApp, that bear the SAPS logo and the names of real senior officers and police stations to appear credible,” SAPS said in a statement yesterday.

In some cases, fraudsters even fabricate non-existent police stations in their correspondence. Police confirmed, for example, that no police station exists in Green Point, Cape Town.

“In many cases, victims also receive intimidating phone calls from individuals posing as police officials, falsely claiming that a criminal case has been opened against them. Victims are then pressured to ‘pay’ a fee to make the case disappear.”

SAPS will never:

• Demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case
• Communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls

Safety precautions

The public is advised not to respond to suspicious calls, letters, or messages, and to avoid sharing personal details such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking information. No money should ever be paid to anyone claiming to be a police officer in exchange for cancelling a case.

Anyone with information that could assist in tracing those involved in the scam is urged to contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS app. – SAnews.gov.za

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.