13/11/2025
Saps warns public to stay alert for festive season scams
As the festive season approaches, Sydenham SAPS is urging community members to remain vigilant when using social media and online platforms.
“This time of year often sees an increase in fraudulent activity, as criminals exploit the festive spirit to deceive unsuspecting victims. Many of these scams appear ‘too good to be true’, and usually are. Common scams include fake promotions, bogus job offers, fraudulent loan approvals, investment schemes, and online marketplace scams,” said Sydenham SAPS communications officer, Simo Jili.
He added that there has been a concerning rise in reports of fraud linked to online transactions and social media scams, where victims are tricked into sharing personal information or making payments to fraudulent accounts.
Jili offered the following safety tips:
• Never share your personal information, passwords, PINs, One-Time-PINs (OTPs), or banking details with anyone.�
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or responding to messages from unknown senders.�
• Always verify the legitimacy of any seller, company, or page before making online payments.�
• When in doubt, visit your nearest bank branch or relevant institution to confirm information.�
• Educate elderly and vulnerable individuals about these scams to protect them from fraudsters.�
“We encourage everyone to enjoy the festive season safely and responsibly. By remaining vigilant, we can prevent criminals from exploiting our communities through online scams. To report any crime, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or Sydenham SAPS on 031 321 4445,” Jili concluded.
