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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public about a growing vishing scam in which criminals hijack the police name, insignia, and the identities of senior officers to defraud unsuspecting citizens.
According to the police, fraudsters distribute fake letters, often circulated through WhatsApp, bearing the SAPS logo and the names of real officers or stations to appear authentic. “In some cases, the perpetrators even invent non-existent police stations in their letters. The SAPS can confirm that no police station exists in Green Point, Cape Town,” a statement noted.
The scam also involves threatening phone calls from impostors pretending to be police officials. Victims are falsely told that a criminal case has been opened against them, followed by demands for money to make it “disappear.”
SAPS has distanced itself from these practices, stressing that it will never demand payment to cancel a case, nor will it communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls.
Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety measures:
- Do not respond to suspicious calls, letters or messages.
- Never share personal or banking details.
- Do not pay money to anyone claiming to be a police officer.
The police appealed to communities to assist in tracing those behind the scam. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App.
