The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public against a scam in which victims receive a text message stating that a SAPS case has been opened against them.
The SAPS on Tuesday said once victims respond to the numbers that are provided by the fraudsters, money is extorted from them.
The scam came to the police’s attention, after a case was reported in Rosebank, Johannesburg, in January 2016. It was followed by other cases with the same modus operandi that were reported in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, North West, and Limpopo.
“The victims received a SMS stating that a SAPS case had been opened against them and that they had to contact a Constable Baloyi at 060 800 8148. Other random names and different contact numbers were also given,” said the SAPS.
When the victims responded to the SMS, they were informed that a warrant of arrest had been issued for a traffic fine and that they needed to pay a certain amount, which had to be deposited into an FNB account with number 62017066201 or ABSA account number 4054021171.
“You are warned not to fall for this scam. In case you receive this kind of SMS, please contact your nearest police station,” said the police.
Alternatively, you can contact Detective Lieutenant DK Hattingh of the National Investigation Unit (NINU) at 079 695 0293 or email: [email protected]. – SAnews.gov.za
