Secunda SAPS warns of fake cases and warrant scam

Police in Secunda warn residents to beware of the latest scams involving bogus cases being opened and warrants of arrest being issued.

Scammers are sending messages to unsuspected people that a police case has been opened and that they are to appear in court. In some cases, the message appears to be some form of restraining order.

The recipient of such a message is then told to pay up to scrap the case.

The messages seem legit to those receiving them, as they include a case number and end with an attorney’s details or with the police station’s contact number.

One such scam brought to the Ridge Times attention reads as follows:

Please be informed that we have received the docket for Case No…, registered against you by (person initial and surname).

Please be advised that a warrant for your arrest will be issued in the Magistrates Court of Mpumalanga should you come within 50 feet (15km) of (person initial and surname).

The message would end with an attorney’s details.

Another message reads as follows:

Message from SAPS Case registered year/month/date at Secunda station with a reference number. Contact details 017 624 2000. Do not reply to this SMS.

The messages are sent from numbers such as +2782007229832675, but the numbers are continuously changing, making it hard for police to track.

Out of fear of arrest, recipients often opt to pay the money.

Secunda’s station commander, Colonel Vena Sigo, said the police have been receiving a lot of enquiries about messages people receive from unknown numbers telling them about cases opened against them.

“The message appears as if it’s from Secunda SAPS. The only time you will receive a message from SAPS is when you have opened a case docket.

“When you are a suspect, the detectives will personally come to you or ask you to come in for inquiries,” explained Sigo.

She said if you are still unsure of the messages, do not try to contact the scammers or pay up. Rather enquire about the message at the station.