SAPS issues warning as fraudsters pose as police to dupe guesthouses

Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Tshwane District has issued a warning to the public and business sector about a scam in which criminals are fraudulently using the identity of a police official to target guesthouses and accommodation establishments.

According to SAPS, a Captain attached to the Tshwane District Communication Office has become a victim of identity misuse after his photograph was taken from official platforms, digitally altered, and used with false names and a fictitious force Persal number.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Tshwane District, wishes to alert the public and business community… about a scam involving the fraudulent use of a police official’s identity,” SAPS said in a statement.

The scammers reportedly contact guesthouses to make bookings for groups allegedly consisting of six police officers, claiming they will arrive late and requesting after-hours check-in arrangements.

SAPS said the fraudsters then request airtime or mobile vouchers under the pretence that it is required for “operational purposes” and will later be reimbursed.

“These fraudulent details are being used by criminals to deceive unsuspecting victims,” SAPS said.

The police service stressed that no legitimate SAPS member is permitted to request airtime, vouchers, or any form of payment from members of the public or businesses.

“Members of the public and business owners are strongly warned that SAPS officials may not, as per SAPS regulations, and will never request airtime, vouchers, or any form of payment from individuals or businesses,” the statement read.

SAPS urged businesses to verify any suspicious bookings through their nearest police station or official SAPS contact channels, and to avoid acting on telephonic requests for payments, regardless of the rank or urgency claimed.

The public has also been cautioned not to rely on photographs or electronically shared documents as proof of identity, as these can be manipulated.

Anyone with information or who may have been targeted has been urged to report the matter to their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.