Douglasdale SAPS warns community against bogus police

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Gauteng

DOUGLASDALE – The police in Douglasdale are investigating several cases of extortion whereby victims of crime and their perpetrators are being telephonically contacted by scammers identifying themselves as police officers.

Their modus operandi includes phoning victims and their perpetrators of crimes in mostly hijackings, theft of motor vehicle, and other crimes, especially those who have already received case numbers.

These bogus police would phone the victim or perpetrator and allege to have recovered their hijacked vehicles in another Province. They will then ask the victim to deposit money to them so as to facilitate the return of their stolen property. In some cases, they also phone unsuspecting members of the community, alleging that they have pending cases therefore they need to deposit money for their dockets to disappear.

The police appeal to all community members to guard against these bogus police.

• We advise the community who receive such suspicious calls to rather verify caller identity by asking for their names, rank, and location of the police station where they are based.
• Contact the police station that the scammer claims to be stationed at to verify whether there is a legitimate warrant of arrest for you or whether the supposed official works there.
• Do not pay them anything as the legitimate police will NEVER demand cash in exchange for their service.

Furthermore, community members are encouraged to report criminal activities to Douglasdale police station on (011) 699-1333 / 00, 071 675 7158, or SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or anonymously through the MySAPS App.

Ends

Enquiries:
Capt Tshetlhane
082 319 9762

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