Phone fraudsters pretend to be police
Police have issued a warning after residents received fake calls about parcels with drugs and forged documents, used to pressure victims into handing over money.
Residents are urged to stay alert as a frightening scam continues to circulate in Randburg and surrounding areas.
According to Michael Steyn, public relations officer for the Honeydew Community Policing Forum (CPF), fraudsters are calling people claiming they have intercepted a suspicious parcel, sent in the victim’s name, to a foreign country. “They say the parcel contains fake passports, ATM cards, and illegal drugs, and then threaten the person with arrest,” said Steyn.
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The scammers pretend to be from law enforcement, or link victims to fake ‘officials’ who then attempt to extract sensitive information such as ID numbers, banking details, or one-time pins (OTPs). In many cases, they also demand payment to make the case ‘disappear’.
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“This is purely a scare tactic,” said Steyn. “No genuine police officer or law enforcement agency will ever ask for your personal banking information over the phone or request money to close a case.”
The CPF warns residents to hang up immediately if they receive such a call and to report the incident to their nearest police station.
Stay safe with these tips:
• Do not share any personal or banking information.
• Do not send money to unknown callers.
• Do not trust unsolicited calls claiming you’re involved in a crime.
• Report the scam to the SAPS or your local CPF.
Steyn added that raising awareness is key. “Talk to your neighbours, family, and, especially, the elderly. The more informed our community is, the harder it becomes for scammers to succeed.”
For more information, or to report suspicious activity, visit your local police station or contact the Honeydew CPF directly.
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