Warning over disturbing bank scam making the rounds in South Africa

The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) is the latest organisation to warn South Africans about a scam in which fraudsters pose as members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The SAFPS said that scammers trick and intimidate individuals into handing over personal and financial information.

In extreme cases, victims are manipulated into transferring funds to these scammers. The deception used a blend of impersonation, social engineering and cyber scams.

Scammers contact victims via telephone calls, WhatsApp calls and sometimes video calls claiming to be police officers from a regional SAPS station or specialised unit.

The scammer informs the victim that their details, such as ID numbers, passport numbers, or bank accounts, have been linked to suspicious activity.

This activity can include airline ticket purchases, package deliveries, or illicit activity like human trafficking.

“Under the guise of investigating whether the victim is a suspect or an unwitting participant, the scammer creates a heightened sense of fear and urgency,” said SAFPS.

“They falsely claim that the individual has been flagged as a possible perpetrator and must prove their innocence immediately, or they will be apprehended and jailed as they pose a security risk.”

The scammers may even send fake documents such as arrest warrants or search and seizure warrants, complete with SAPS and government logos.

The documents often have legal jargon and formatting which closely resemble authentic government paperwork, which is enough to deceive individuals unfamiliar with legal or police procedures.

“Victims are often transferred to a second or third superior or specialist officer or department, reinforcing the illusion of a coordinated investigation,” said SAFPS’s Nazia Karrim.

“These fake officers speak in formal and intimidating tones, instilling fear while pretending to guide the victim through a process to assist them in proving their innocence.”

The next phase will see the scammer communicating via WhatsApp, telling the victim not to contact their local police station, as it involves corrupt police officials.

Victims are then directed to a video call where scammers, who refuse to show their faces, continue to issue threats and pressure the individual to comply.

Scammers manipulate victims into sharing highly sensitive information, banking details, ID numbers, assets and screenshots of accounts and bank statements.

The scammers eventually tell victims to transfer funds to a fictitious account, comforting them by saying that the funds will be refunded once their innocence has been proven.

Another tactic criminals use is to direct victims to install a fake SAPS mobile app containing malware, allowing scammers to access the victim’s phone remotely.

Not the first bank, but there are ways to protect yourself

SAFPS’s warning follows similar statements by Nedbank and Discovery Bank, with both banks issuing alerts to their customers highlighting the scam.

Nedbank said that scammers are posing as bank employees from its fraud department or police officers.

Discovery Bank said that fake detectives are informing victims that they are linked to a fraud case before telling them to transfer money from their accounts.

Amidst the heightened police fraud in South Africa, the SAFPS said that the public must be aware of the following red flags:

• Official police investigations are never carried out via WhatsApp or any messaging app. The SAPS does not use chat platforms to take statements, issue documentation, or make arrests.
• Law enforcement does not conduct investigations via video calls. If someone claiming to be a police officer insists on a video call to take a statement, it is a significant warning sign.
• You have the right to ask for the officer’s identification and to verify their credentials. Always contact your nearest police station directly to confirm their identity and understand the procedures for interviews with suspects or victims.
• The SAPS will not send legal documents through chat apps or social media. All official documents are delivered in person and through appropriate legal channels.
• Law enforcement officials cannot prevent you from contacting your lawyer or a third party. If someone attempts to do so, they are likely trying to manipulate or intimidate you.
• You cannot be compelled to travel to a police station outside of your province. Genuine investigations can occur at your local station, where an assigned officer will assist you.
• No police officer will ever ask you to transfer funds or share screenshots of your banking app or bank statements during a video call or through a chat service.
  • The SAPS, the Reserve Bank, or any other government agency will never request money to verify your innocence or safeguard your assets, regardless of the type of investigation.

SAFPS added that potential victims should hang up immediately if something feels off. Following that, they should contact the police station for assistance if necessary.

They should also report the incident to their nearest police station and the SAFPS.