SAPS and ICASA fraud warning in South Africa

Capitec has warned consumers against South African Police Service (SAPS) and Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) scams.

On 31 January, Capitec sent an alert to its customers warning them against scammers posing as ICASA or SAPS officials.

“These scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating officials from ICASA, SAPS, or other reputable institutions to gain victims’ trust,” Capitec explained to Daily Investor.

“They make false claims that the victim’s identity has been misused in criminal activities and demand immediate verification.”

“Scammers often pressure individuals into sharing sensitive personal or financial details or making payments under the guise of resolving the fabricated issue.”

According to the bank, these “pressure tactics” are a common characteristic used to defraud customers, and scammers will often claim that the victim’s identity has been linked to fraudulent SIM card registrations.

These tactics rely on fear and urgency to manipulate victims into compliance. Capitec added that a significant increase in this type of fraud has been seen.

“There has been a notable rise in scams involving the impersonation of ICASA and SAPS officials.”

“Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, leveraging fear and urgency to exploit unsuspecting consumers.”

“Recent media reports highlight multiple cases of individuals falling victim to these scams, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and vigilance.”

To avoid falling victim to these scams, the bank urged customers to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls or messages from individuals claiming to represent ICASA, SAPS, or financial institutions.

“If asked to provide personal or banking information, or to make payments to resolve the alleged issue, this is a strong indication of a scam. Verifying the legitimacy of such requests directly with the relevant organisation is essential.”

Capitec gave the following advice to its customers in its 31 January alert:

• If you get a call like this, hang up and call ICASA’s official number.
• Don’t share your personal or banking info on a call or make payments on the instruction of a caller.
• Stay alert, and don’t act on urgent and aggressive requests.

In cases where a consumer has been defrauded in this way, Capitec stressed that they should act as quickly as possible.

“If a consumer has been targeted by such a scam, immediate action is crucial. Victims should contact their bank to report fraudulent transactions and attempt to halt unauthorised payments.”

They added that filing a report with the police is also essential to initiate an investigation.

“Additionally, informing ICASA and other relevant authorities can help raise awareness and potentially prevent others from falling victim to similar scams.”

Capitec explained that they are taking several steps to address these types of scams. “Capitec is actively warning clients about scammers impersonating ICASA and SAPS officials,” it said.

“The bank urges clients to remain cautious, never share personal or banking details with unknown callers, and always verify the legitimacy of unsolicited requests.”

“Capitec continues to educate consumers about common fraud tactics and how to protect themselves, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and vigilant.”

For example, Capitec advised its users to avoid investment scams during the holidays and cautioned customers to watch out for great deals when shopping online.

“Fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics, making consumer awareness the first line of defence.”

“If in doubt, always verify the identity of the caller by reaching out to the official organisation using trusted contact details.”

“Never feel pressured to act immediately – legitimate institutions will not demand urgent payments or sensitive information over the phone.”

This article was first published by Daily Investor and is reproduced with permission.