Police in Tshwane are warning the public about a rising scam involving fraudulent calls from individuals claiming to be detectives from the SAPS Pretoria Moot. According to Major-General Samuel Thine, these scammers contact victims, informing them that their cellphones are being used in fraud schemes. The callers then demand payment to resolve the matter, suggesting the victim pay a so-called “standby prosecutor” a sum of R10,000.
Once the payment is agreed upon, the victim is handed over to fake detectives, who threaten arrest. Victims often realize too late that they have been duped when they reach out to the police station for verification.
Major-General Thine urges the public to stay alert and request case numbers, as well as the name of the police station handling the matter. He also reminded citizens that paying money to have cases “disappear” constitutes bribery and is illegal.
For verification, the public can contact the SAPS Pretoria Moot directly at 012 331 3603 or 012 331 3598, or visit the official SAPS website.
