Scam alert: SAPS issues warning over fake police officers defrauding public

The SAPS has warned members of the public about an ongoing scam in various provinces of South Africa, involving fraudulent letters and phone calls that falsely appear to originate from the police service.

These fake letters, often distributed via WhatsApp, bear the SAPS logo and contain the names and contact details of senior SAPS officers, and the addresses of legitimate SAPS offices.

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In some instances, the scammers also use the names of police stations that do not exist.

The fraudsters use this information to deceive recipients into sharing personal details under false pretences.

The content of the letters is often tailored according to the victim’s location, with changes made to names, addresses and contact people to make the communication appear authentic.

These WhatsApp messages are reportedly preceded by phone calls from individuals posing as police officials, who falsely claim criminal cases have been opened against the victim.

These ‘police officers’ then coerce the victim into paying a certain amount of money to make his or her supposed case ‘disappear’.
Community members are urged to remain vigilant at all times.

SAPS tips to avoid falling victim:
• Do not respond to these fraudulent messages or phone calls
• Do not provide or confirm any personal information such as ID numbers, addresses or banking details
• Do not pay the ‘scammers’ any money
• The SAPS do not communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls
• Anyone who has received or responded to these fraudulent messages or phone calls is urged to report the matter and open a case at their nearest police station

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