SAPS Western Cape warns public of telephone scam involving cloned Provincial Commissioner’s office number

Western Cape police are warning the public of a fraudulent Truecaller profile linked to a landline number falsely displaying the name of the Western Cape police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile.

In this scam, the caller ID appears to reflect the SAPS provincial office number - 021 417 7148 - creating the false impression that the call originates from SAPS.

‘’Victims are then contacted, in some instances via video call, by an individual impersonating a police officer and dressed in police uniform. The victim is falsely accused of being linked to a parcel allegedly intercepted at an airport containing contraband. Through intimidation and threats of arrest or prosecution, victims are coerced into paying large sums of money to “resolve” the matter,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.

This scam is not limited to the Western Cape and similar cases have been reported across the country.

‘’The compromise and misuse of the above-mentioned telephone number are currently under investigation, along with the reported cases linked to this scam,’’ said Traut.

SAPS emphasised that:

·        SAPS officials will never demand money to prevent arrest or prosecution.

·        SAPS will not request payments via telephone or video calls.

·        Members of the public should always verify the identity and credentials of anyone claiming to be a police official.

·        Be aware that the caller ID 021 417 7148 is currently being fraudulently used in this scam.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and to immediately report any encounter with suspected scammers to their nearest police station or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

 

Done By: Mitchum George