growing trend involves scammers posing as members of the SAPS (South African (SA) Police Service) to intimidate victims into surrendering personal and financial information.

Speaking to Channel Africa on Wednesday, Nazia Karrim, Head of Product Development at SAFPS, said the police impersonation scam has gained traction nationwide, with incidents recorded in all nine provinces. In recent months, fraudsters have increasingly used the name of the Bloemfontein police station, among others, to lend legitimacy to their operations.

“These scammers often claim that the victim’s details were found in connection with serious crimes such as drug or human trafficking. They use formal police terminology and impersonate officers to create a sense of urgency and fear,” Karrim explained. “They may even send fake documents via WhatsApp to convince the target that the investigation is real.”

Victims are pressured into revealing sensitive data and, in some extreme cases, manipulated into transferring funds. This tactic is part of a wider surge in scams, including advanced fee scams, online shopping fraud, and cyber fraud.

Karrim noted that SA’s high unemployment rate has left many people vulnerable to investment scams as they search for alternative sources of income. Meanwhile, the widespread use of smartphones has opened the door for cybercriminals to access vast amounts of personal information through malicious links or apps.

“There is no single profile of a victim. Everyone is a target, regardless of education or position,” she said. “Your smartphone carries your entire life. If someone gains access, they essentially gain access to your bank, your ID, your personal and professional life.”

--ChannelAfrica--