Fraudsters use fake letters and WhatsApp messages to steal personal information
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a public warning about a scam involving fraudulent letters that appear to be from the police. These fake letters, which bear the SAPS logo and the names and contact details of senior officers, are being sent to individuals via WhatsApp in an attempt to trick them into revealing their personal information.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the scam targets recipients by asking them to share sensitive data, such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details. The fraudulent letters are often personalized to make them seem authentic, with tailored names, addresses, and contact information that correspond to the victim's location.
In some cases, the scammers initiate contact with phone calls, posing as police officials and falsely claiming that criminal cases have been filed against the recipient.
Van Wyk urged the public to remain cautious and not to respond to such messages. “The scammers use this information to deceive recipients into sharing personal details under false pretenses. We advise people not to share any personal information, including ID numbers, addresses, or banking details, in response to these messages,” she said.
The SAPS is urging the public to report any suspicious messages or calls to their local police stations immediately.