New SAPS scam stealing victims' money
A new scam imitating South African Police Service (SAPS) members is targeting victims by stealing their personal information and money.
The SAPS has issued a warning to residents across several provinces about an emerging scam where criminals are using fake letters and phone calls to impersonate police officers.
According to SAPS, scammers are using letters and phone calls to claim that a criminal case has been opened against the victim.
"[They] falsely claim that criminal cases have been opened against the victim. These 'police officers' then coerce the victim into paying a certain amount of money to make the supposed case 'disappear'," the police said in an official statement.
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Fraudulent letters are often used in these scams. They bear the official SAPS logo and may include the names and contact details of senior officers and legitimate police stations to appear authentic.
"These fake letters, often distributed via WhatsApp, bear the SAPS logo and contain the names and contact details of senior SAPS officers, as well as the addresses of legitimate SAPS offices," the statement continued.
To make matters worse, criminals tailor the letters to the victim's location to increase their credibility. Subtle changes to names, addresses, and contact persons make it even harder for victims to detect fraud.
"Also, these WhatsApp messages are preceded by phone calls from individuals posing as police officials," SAPS added.
Criminals often use fear and intimidation tactics to create confusion and panic, pressuring victims into unknowingly revealing ID numbers, banking details, and home addresses.
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The SAPS reminded the public that it does not contact people via WhatsApp or video calls under any circumstances.
"Do not provide or confirm any personal information such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details," police warned.
"Do not pay these 'scammers' any money."
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