Sinoville SAPS warns community of scammers posing as ‘police officers’
The scammers, claiming to be from the police, send the victim a document with the photo of a high-ranking police official and an imitation of a SAPS appointment certificate.
The Sinoville Community Police Forum (CPF) has issued a stark warning to residents after reports of scammers posing as police officers and demanding money via WhatsApp.
According to the CPF, a complaint was recently lodged at Sinoville SAPS involving a resident who received a fake warrant of arrest and an asset forfeiture court order, allegedly linked to a crime that supposedly occurred in Bloemfontein.
The scammers, claiming to be from the police, sent the victim a document with the photo of a high-ranking police official and an imitation of a SAPS appointment certificate.
The victim was told to deposit money into a SAPS account to avoid arrest, an alarming manipulation tactic targeting vulnerable community members.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the modus operandi differs, but no one should pay any money.
“The police do not issue any warrant of arrest, only the Department of Justice does that,” said Van Dyk.
He emphasised that SAPS will never ask for money or banking details via WhatsApp or any informal communication channel.
Any such requests should be considered fraudulent and reported immediately.
“Do not respond or share any personal information, report the number to SAPS or the nearest police station, take screenshots and document the interaction for investigative purposes and spread awareness within the community.”
Sinoville residents are urged to rely only on official communication and report any suspicious incidents.
Van Dyk said the scam is similar to that trend used by criminals to defraud people by using Moot SAPS detectives, who are investigating criminal cases against victims.
“These criminals phone unsuspecting citizens and introduce themselves as Miss Samkelo Matheba from ICASA. It is stated to the victim that her cellphone is being used in a fraud case to defraud customers.
“The victims are advised by the suspect that they can help her if she pleads guilty to phone the standby prosecutor to assist her in not going to jail. But it will cost R10 000,” said Van Dyk.
He said the phone was then handed to a male suspect, introducing himself as Sergeant Sebongile. He is working with Sergeant Makize from the Moot to investigate the case. They are on their way to come and arrest her, and she must stay where she is.
“Uninformed citizens pay over the money only to realise that they have been scammed after they phone the Pretoria-Moot SAPS.
“Pretoria-Moot SAPS has been experiencing a significant increase in phone calls from victims and potential victims regarding this scam.”
Residents are advised that should any person receive such a call, regardless of the circumstances, to phone the police station on 012 331 3603 or 012 331 3598.
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