SAPS warns public of vishing scam using fake charges and WhatsApp

Police have warned community members not to fall for a vishing scam. They say criminals are using the South African Police Service  (SAPS) name and logo to deceive unsuspecting victims to hand over money or personal information to enable them to withdraw criminal cases.

#sapsGP Police in Temba engaged with the Temba & Hammanskraal community on Moretele FM, raising awareness about vishing scams where fraudsters misuse the #SAPS name to demand money or sensitive info. Residents were warned about fake letters, spam calls, phone hackers & scammers… pic.twitter.com/G6cXDkjJQX

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) September 23, 2025

SAPS Spokesperson, Amanda van Wyk says fake letters are distributed, often via WhatsApp.

Van Wyk says the scammers create false criminal charges against unsuspecting victims and claim they can make the case go away.

“In some instances, the alleged fraudsters fabricate non-existent police stations in their fraudulent correspondence. The SAPS can confirm 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,” she adds.

RT #sapsHQ #SAPS is cautioning community members about a vishing 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… pic.twitter.com/cbsuQNUbcP

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) September 23, 2025

Van Wyk says the SAPS reminds community members that the organisation will never demand payment to cancel or withdraw a case, nor communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls.