SEBOKENG.– Sebokeng police are urging the community to be vigilant about a rising trend of criminals posing as police officials to scam carjacking and vehicle theft victims.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane said that fraudsters are contacting victims, claiming their stolen vehicles have been recovered. These criminals often impersonate high-ranking police officials to gain the trust of their targets.

One victim, who chose to remain anonymous, reported that his vehicle was hijacked and shortly after, he received a call from a man claiming to be a captain from the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU). The impostor demanded a few thousand rands to have the vehicle towed to the victim’s residence. Suspicious of the request, the victim refused to comply. The scammer later called again, alleging that the car had been found near a border, and insisted that the money be deposited at PEP or Shoprite stores.

The victim’s suspicions deepened when the caller failed to answer critical questions. Upon reporting the incident to Sebokeng police, it was confirmed that authorities do not require payment for towing or retrieving recovered vehicles. The police emphasised that such services are handled through the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS) and are free of charge.