Central SA
Vaal police warn drivers to be cautious of bogus police─── ZENANDE MPAME 06:30 Tue, 03 Dec 2024
Vehicle owners have been warned of a growing number of criminals posing as police officers to commit vehicle theft.
Scammers have new ways to extort and scam drivers of their vehicles and money. They are getting in touch with victims and saying that their stolen car has been found.
“A resident reported his vehicle was hijacked, and a few hours later he was contacted by a bogus police captain demanding thousands of rands to have the car towed back to his place,” said Sebokeng police spokesperson Nthabiseng Mokachane.
When the resident reported the incident to the police, it was revealed officers do not require payment for towing or retrieving recovered vehicles, said Mokachane. “We urge residents not to trust strangers demanding money in exchange for services that the police provide for free.”
How to identify police field uniform. Photo: Facebook/Intelligence Bureau SA
Services such as towing or retrieving recovered vehicles are handled free of charge by the Vehicle Safeguarding Section. If victims are approached with such demands, they must report the incident immediately to their nearest police station, she said.
Gauteng police have seen an increase in hijackings executed by bogus police, this usually happens when fake police stop drivers on the side of the road and rob and hijack their vehicles.
How to identify branded police cars. Photo: Facebook/Intelligence Bureau SA
Simon Dippenaar & Associates Inc. has tips on when fake police call to demand money:
- Verify caller identity. Legitimate police will provide their details and allow you to verify their identity.
- Stay calm, scammers rely on panic and fear to manipulate their victims.
- If you have responded to a payment request, do not actually pay them anything.
- Contact the police because impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence.
OFM News previously reported Vanderbijlpark police warned car owners about the rise in carjackings after the surrounding area experienced lots of common robberies and carjackings.
“Car owners have fallen prey to suspects who target vehicles parked at gates or in open spaces,” said Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Sabelo Sigcu. “We urge all motorists to be vigilant and careful of tactics used by criminals.”
