South Africans warned: Fake SAPS letters and WhatsApp scams trick victims into paying fees for false cases. Image Credit: SABC News
(The Post News) – Counterfeit SAPS Letters are proliferating in Cape Town, prompting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to advise residents to stay vigilant. On Monday, SAPS spokesperson Amanda van Wyk stated that these fraudulent documents are frequently shared through WhatsApp and asserted that criminal charges have been filed against unaware individuals. The fraudsters then propose to “resolve the issue” – for a fee.
Van Wyk mentioned that certain fraudsters even create fake police stations to make their threats appear credible. “The SAPS can verify that there is no police station located in Green Point, Cape Town.” Often, victims receive threatening phone calls from people impersonating police officers, falsely asserting that a criminal case has been initiated against them. “Victims are subsequently coerced into paying a fee to have the case dropped,” stated Van Wyk.
Fraudulent SAPS Letters Aim at Victims via WhatsApp
As per SAPS, this fraud usually begins with a WhatsApp text featuring a counterfeit letter that includes a SAPS logo and case number. The communication warns the individual about looming criminal charges and threatens arrest if payment is not made promptly. This approach exploits fear, leading victims to send money without confirming the allegation.
“SAPS emphasizes that the organization does not require payment to cancel or withdraw a case, nor do we use WhatsApp or video calls for communication,” Van Wyk stated
Identifying Counterfeit SAPS Letters
Counterfeit SAPS Letters frequently contain:
Badly designed logos or stationery
Fictitious police station names or sites
Immediate payment demands through WhatsApp
Warnings of arrest within a day
Advice: If you get a message like this, refrain from replying or making any payments. Alternatively, reach out to your closest SAPS station directly using the official contact numbers listed on the SAPS official website
SAPS Encourages Citizens to Inform on WhatsApp Scams
Van Wyk encouraged residents to report any unusual letters or phone calls right away. Through reporting, SAPS can identify patterns and prevent scammers from victimizing others.
The Dangers of Counterfeit SAPS Letters
Counterfeit SAPS letters not only swindle funds — they instil fear and anxiety. Victims have indicated experiencing stress, anxiety, and, in some instances, damage to their reputation when scammers focus on their jobs or relatives.
Community Awareness is Essential
SAPS urges everyone to confirm official communications. If you’re uncertain, go to your local police station or contact the national SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111.
RemainVigilant – Safeguard Yourself AgainstFraudulent SAPS Correspondence
By remaining vigilant and informing friends and family about this alert, communities can thwart scammers effectively. Keep in mind:
SAPS will not request payment to withdraw a case.
SAPS does not utilize WhatsApp for official communication regardingcases.
Always check before taking action
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