SAPS Warns Public of Phishing Scam Using Fake Letters and Calls

SAPS Warns Public of Phishing Scam Using Fake Letters and Calls. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is cautioning the public about a phishing scam in which criminals misuse the SAPS name and insignia to deceive unsuspecting citizens into handing over money or disclosing personal information. “Fake letters are distributed, often via WhatsApp, that bear the SAPS logo and the names of real senior officers and police stations in order to appear credible,” the SAPS said in a statement on Tuesday. In some instances, the alleged fraudsters fabricate non-existent police stations in their fraudulent correspondence.

The police also confirmed that no police station exists in Green Point, Cape Town. “In many cases, victims also receive intimidating phone calls from individuals posing as police officials, falsely claiming that a criminal case has been opened against them. Victims are then pressured to ‘pay’ a fee to make the case disappear.” The SAPS reminds community members that the organisation will never: • Demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case • Communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls. Safety precautions. The public has been urged to not respond to suspicious calls, letters, or messages.

The police is also calling on the public not to share or confirm personal details such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details. Additionally, the public is urged to not pay money to anyone claiming to be a police officer in exchange for cancelling a case. Anyone with information that may assist in tracing and locating those involved in the scam is urged to contact their nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or leave an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS App.

The Nature of the Scam: How Fraudsters Operate

This sophisticated scam combines elements of phishing and vishing—voice phishing—to trick victims into believing they are dealing with legitimate law enforcement. Criminals craft convincing documents using the official SAPS logo, signatures of real senior officers, and details of actual police stations to build credibility. These fake letters are primarily circulated through WhatsApp, a platform widely used in South Africa for its convenience and low cost, making it an ideal tool for scammers to reach a large audience quickly.

In many reported cases, the fraud begins with an intimidating phone call from someone posing as a high-ranking police official. The caller claims a criminal case has been opened against the victim, often for fabricated reasons like unpaid debts, involvement in fraud, or even serious crimes such as money laundering. To add pressure, they may quote personal details obtained from data breaches or social media, making the threat feel real. Victims are then told that paying a “fee” or “fine” will make the case disappear, avoiding arrest or court appearances. Payments are typically requested via instant transfer methods like e-wallets or bank apps to avoid traceability.

A particularly deceptive tactic involves referencing non-existent police stations, such as one in Green Point, Cape Town. SAPS has confirmed no such station exists, but scammers use this to create urgency, claiming the “case” is handled by a specialised unit. This fabrication exploits public unfamiliarity with all police locations, especially in a country with over 1,100 stations. The goal is to panic victims into compliance before they verify the information.

Similar scams have surged in recent years, with SAPS reporting over 5,000 phishing incidents in 2024 alone, many involving impersonation of officials. The rise coincides with increased digital communication during the COVID-19 era, where WhatsApp became a primary tool for official updates, making people more susceptible to fake messages mimicking government styles.

Why This Scam is Dangerous: Financial and Personal Risks

Beyond financial loss—victims have reported losing amounts from R5,000 to over R50,000—the scam poses risks to personal security. By sharing ID numbers, addresses, or banking details, individuals expose themselves to identity theft, where criminals can open accounts, apply for loans, or commit further fraud in their name. In severe cases, this has led to credit blacklisting or legal troubles for victims.

The psychological impact is equally concerning. Intimidating calls create fear, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly or low-income earners who may not know their rights. SAPS stresses that legitimate police never demand payments over the phone or via messaging apps; official matters are handled in person at stations or through courts.

This scam fits a broader pattern of cyber fraud in South Africa, where losses totalled R2.2 billion in 2024, per the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service. Phishing accounts for 30% of cases, often targeting trust in institutions like SAPS, SARS, or banks.

SAPS Guidelines: What the Police Will Never Do

To combat confusion, SAPS has outlined clear red flags. The organisation will never demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case, as this violates legal processes under the Criminal Procedure Act. Cases are managed through magistrates’ courts, not informal settlements.

SAPS also does not communicate official business via WhatsApp or video calls. Legitimate interactions occur through registered letters, in-person visits, or verified phone numbers from station directories. “The SAPS reminds community members that the organisation will never: • Demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case • Communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls.”

If receiving such a call or message, individuals should hang up immediately and verify by contacting their local station using numbers from the official SAPS website or app, not those provided by the caller.

Safety Precautions and Reporting Mechanisms

The public has been urged to not respond to suspicious calls, letters, or messages. This includes ignoring links or attachments that could install malware. Do not engage; block the number and delete the conversation.

The police is also calling on the public not to share or confirm personal details such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details. Scammers use this to build profiles for further exploitation.

Additionally, the public is urged to not pay money to anyone claiming to be a police officer in exchange for cancelling a case. Such payments are illegal and do not resolve any real issues.

Reporting is crucial: contact the nearest police station, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App for anonymous tip-offs. The app, downloaded over 500,000 times since 2020, allows photo uploads and GPS location sharing for faster response.

SAPS collaborates with banks and telecoms to track fraudulent numbers, often linked to unregistered SIMs. In 2024, over 1,000 scam-related arrests were made, many through public reports.

Broader Efforts to Combat Phishing in South Africa

This alert is part of SAPS’s ongoing cybercrime initiatives, including Operation Basadi, which targets women-led scams, and partnerships with the Financial Intelligence Centre to freeze suspicious accounts. The Hawks’ Digital Forensic Lab analyses devices from arrested scammers, uncovering networks often based in Nigeria or locally in Johannesburg townships.

Education campaigns like “Think Before You Click” run in schools and communities, teaching digital literacy. With 70% of South Africans using WhatsApp daily, per 2025 stats, awareness is key.
Government’s Cybercrimes Act of 2019 criminalises phishing with up to 15 years’ jail, but enforcement challenges persist due to cross-border elements.

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