SAPS Phoenix is urging the public to be more vigilant online following a surge in WhatsApp scams and hacking. Criminals are gaining unauthorised access to victims’ accounts and then tricking their friends and family into sending money.
According to Communications Officer SPAC Nadia Ebrahim, suspects often trick victims into providing a verification code or exploit weak security settings to gain control of an account. Once they have access, they pretend to be the victim and send urgent messages to their contacts, claiming to be in an emergency and requesting money via e-wallet or instant EFT. Ebrahim said: “Once payment is made, the suspect disappears, leaving contacts defrauded.”
SAPS advises the public to take precautionary measures: never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone, even if they claim to be from WhatsApp or a trusted contact.
You should also enable two-step verification in your WhatsApp settings to add an extra layer of security. The public should be alert to unusual requests for money, especially urgent ones, from friends or family via WhatsApp. Always confirm through a voice call before sending any funds. It is also important to report hacked accounts immediately to WhatsApp Support and inform your contacts not to respond to suspicious messages.
SAPS reminds the public that no legitimate emergency request will require secrecy or prevent you from confirming the situation in person or through another channel. Criminals rely on urgency and emotional manipulation—do not let them pressure you into acting without thinking.
Anyone with information regarding these scams or the suspects involved is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated as confidential.
