SAPS warns of imposters soliciting money using police insignia
SAPS warns residents of scammers posing as police officers and demanding payments to cancel fake criminal cases.
AT a community imbizo held at Virginia Airport last month SAPS officials raised concerns about criminals impersonating police officers on the phone in order to solicit money from unsuspecting citizens.
Scammers phone or WhatsApp residents claiming to be from a particular station, saying a case has been opened against you.
The cases are often invented and are accompanied by fake warrant of arrests and the suspects further claim they can make a criminal case disappear if you pay some money.
In September, national police also raised the alarm on this type of vishing scam.
Related article: Durban North SAPS warn residents to be wary of fake arrest scam
SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Amanda van Wyk said fake letters are distributed, often via WhatsApp, that bear the SAPS logo and the names of real senior officers and police stations in order to appear credible.
“In some instances, the alleged fraudsters fabricate non-existent police stations in their fraudulent correspondence. 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,” she said.
Van Wyk added that anyone with information that could assist in tracing and locating those involved in this type of scam should contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or leave an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App.
The SAPS reminded residents that they will never:
- Demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case
- Communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls
Their advice on fake calls
- Do not respond to suspicious calls, letters, or messages
- Do not share or confirm personal details such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details
- Do not pay money to anyone claiming to be a police officer in exchange for cancelling a case
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