PROJECT: POLICE IMPERSONATOR SCAMMERS

isabels39
4 hours ago
6 min read

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MODUS OPERANDI:

INITIAL CONTACT:
- The victim receives an unexpected phone call, often sounding very official.
- The caller impersonates a police officer, sometimes using a real police station name or a made-up specialised unit to sound credible.
- They may also use WhatsApp calls or video calls.
- Some reports indicate that scammers register their numbers with caller ID services to display legitimate-sounding police station names.
CREATING FEAR AND URGENCY:
- The scammer informs the victim that a parcel with their name on it, containing illegal drugs or linked to serious crimes like drug or human trafficking, has been intercepted at an international airport.
- This immediately causes panic and distress.
- The scammer emphasises that there is a widespread "infestation" or serious investigation underway.
THE "SOLUTION":
- The fake police officer then states that to ensure the victim's money is safe during this investigation, they need to transfer their funds to a "safe" account provided by the police.
- They claim this is a temporary measure to protect the funds from being compromised owing to the supposed criminal activity.
MAINTAINING CONTROL:
- The scammer often insists that the call must be kept private and that the victim should not discuss it with anyone, including their lawyer or family.
- This isolation tactic prevents the victim from seeking advice or realising it is a scam.
- They use formal police terminology and send fake documents via messaging apps to appear legitimate.
- In some cases, they pressure the victim to travel to a police station outside their province, which is not standard procedure.
DEMANDING ACTION:
- The victim, now in a state of fear and in full belief they are cooperating with the police, follows the instructions to transfer their money.
- The scammers often pressure for immediate action, not giving the victim time to think or verify the information.
- They may ask for screenshots of banking apps or bank statements.

Before you are threatened or pressured to transfer money to a so-called “safe” account, or convinced to keep the call secret, contact Mr. Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services to verify the call's legitimacy and payment.

Scammers often use psychological tactics to manipulate and gain control over their victims.

ACCOMPLICES:

While it is difficult to know the exact extent of their networks, these criminals may operate in organised groups.
The mention of "corrupt cops" in your description is a serious concern.
If there is collusion with actual police officers, it could involve:
- PROVIDING INSIDE INFORMATION:
  - Corrupt officers leak information about ongoing investigations or police procedures, making the scam more believable.
- LEGITIMISING THE SCAM:
  - Their involvement could lend an air of authenticity to the impersonators.
- FACILITATING THE CRIME:
  - In extreme cases, they actively participate in the scam or help to cover it up.

SAPS PROTOCOL WHEN CONTACTING THE PUBLIC:

The public must understand how the South African Police Service (SAPS) typically operates and communicates:

REPORTING A CRIME:
- To report a crime, the public should call 10111 for emergencies or go to their nearest police station.
- A case docket will be opened, and the complainant will receive a CAS number as a reference.
OFFICIAL INVESTIGATIONS:
- Official police investigations are never carried out via WhatsApp or any messaging app.
- The SAPS does not use these platforms to take statements, issue documents, or make arrests.
VIDEO CALLS:
- Law enforcement does not conduct investigations via video calls.
- If someone claiming to be a police officer insists on a video call to take a statement, it is a major red flag.
IDENTIFICATION:
- You have the right to ask for an officer's identification and to verify their credentials by contacting your nearest police station directly.
LEGAL DOCUMENTS:
- The SAPS will not send legal documents through chat apps or social media.
- Official documents are delivered in person through appropriate legal channels.
RIGHT TO LEGAL COUNSEL:
- Law enforcement officials cannot prevent you from contacting your lawyer or a third party.
LOCATION OF INVESTIGATIONS:
- You cannot be compelled to travel to a police station outside of your province for a genuine investigation.
- Investigations usually occur at your local station.
REQUEST FOR MONEY:
- No police officer will ever ask you to transfer funds or share screenshots of your banking app or bank statements during an investigation.
- The SAPS, the Reserve Bank, or any government agency will never request money to verify your innocence or safeguard your assets.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THESE SCAMS:

BE SUSPICIOUS OF UNSOLICITED CALLS:
- If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be a police officer, be very cautious.
NEVER SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION:
- Do not share your ID number, passport number, bank account details, passwords, or PINs with anyone over the phone.
- Legitimate institutions will never ask for this information in this way.
DO NOT TRANSFER MONEY:
- Under no circumstances should you transfer money to an unknown account based on instructions received during such a call.
VERIFY INDEPENDENTLY:
- If the caller claims to be from the police, hang up immediately and call your local police station directly using the official number to verify if there is indeed an investigation and verify the identity of the officer.
- Do not use any contact information provided by the caller.
DO NOT BE PRESSURED OR INTIMIDATED:
- Scammers use high-pressure tactics to make you act quickly.
- Take a step back, think, and verify before doing anything.
BE WARY OF THREATS:
- Scammers often use threats of arrest or legal action to scare their victims.
- Remember that legitimate police will follow due process.
CHECK COMMUNICATION CHANNELS:
- Be suspicious if the "police officer" contacts you via WhatsApp or insists on a video call to take a statement.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:
- If you receive such a call, report it to your local police station and the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) at 011 867 2234 or via email at protection@safps.org.za.
- Reporting helps them track these scams and warn others.
INFORM OTHERS:
- Talk to your family and friends, especially the elderly, about these scams so they know how to protect themselves.

By understanding how these criminals operate and knowing the correct protocols of the SAPS,

the public will become more vigilant and avoid falling victim to these devastating scams.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za

Fax: 086 585 4924

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.

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POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv