The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned members of the public about a scam circulating in several provinces involving fraudulent letters said to be from the police, that scam people into revealing their personal information.
According to police, these fake letters, which are often distributed via WhatsApp, have the SAPS logo and contain the names, and contact details of senior SAPS officers, and, in some instances, the addresses of SAPS offices. The scammers use this information to deceive recipients into sharing personal details under false pretences.
The content of the letters is said to be tailored according to the victim’s location, with changes made to names, addresses, and contact persons to make the communication appear authentic.
#sapsHQ #ResponsibleSocialMediaUse
The #SAPS has noted with great concern a social media post that is false and misleading. We appeal to social media users to be responsible and to refrain from spreading misinformation.Police can confirm that a departmental inquiry into… pic.twitter.com/GK6cj8fKLl
— SA Police Service
(@SAPoliceService) April 10, 2025
In a statement, SAPS added that in some cases these WhatsApp messages are also preceded by phone calls from individuals posing as police officials, who falsely claim that criminal cases have been opened against the victim.
“The SAPS urges the public not to respond to these messages or provide any personal information such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details.”
Police have also reminded citizens that the SAPS does not communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls.
“Anyone who has received or responded to these fraudulent messages is urged to report the matter and open a case at their nearest police station.”
At the same time, police have urged citizens to be aware of fake advertising for South African Police Service Vacancies.
Police says it has noted with concern the circulation of fake advertisements on different social media platforms and websites advertising vacancies in the SAPS.
RT #sapsHQ
[BE AWARE OF BOGUS ADVERTISEMENTS ON SAPS VACANCIES]
Always verify by visiting the SAPS website… pic.twitter.com/TKr5ZkpSzj
— SA Police Service
The police have urged the public to verify all information by visiting the SAPS website as all external police vacancies will be published on the website. Existing vacancies can also be viewed and the official application forms can be obtained from the official website.
READ MORE: SAPS warns of scam using Police details
