Police in the Northern Cape are warning members of the public against various fraudulent activities ahead of the festive season.

Police say these include investment scams and fraudulent prize-winning notifications.

Provincial police spokesperson Nomthandazo Mnisi has urged communities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.

Mnisi further cautions against clicking on links sent via social media platforms and sharing banking details.

“Criminals continue to exploit digital platforms, social media, mobile applications and electronic communication to target unsuspecting individuals, often using deceptive tactics to gain their trust and unlawfully obtain their money and personal information. Victims are often promised unrealistic financial returns within a short period after making an initial deposit. The police are also concerned about banking scams in which fraudsters impersonate bank officials or send fraudulent messages.”

#sapsNC [NORTHERN CAPE SAPS WARNS COMMUNITIES AGAINST PERSISTENT ONLINE AND FINANCIAL SCAMS]

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape is cautioning members of the public against various fraudulent activities, particularly investment scams, banking scams, online dating scams and fraudulent prize-winning notifications, particularly during the festive season period when retail activity escalates.

Criminals continue to exploit digital platforms, social media, mobile applications and electronic communication to target unsuspecting individuals, often using deceptive tactics to gain their trust and unlawfully obtain their money and personal information.

Members of the public are warned against fraudulent investment schemes circulating on social media and WhatsApp platforms. Victims are often promised unrealistic financial returns within a short period after making an initial deposit.

The police are also concerned about banking scams in which fraudsters impersonate bank officials or send fraudulent messages, emails and links claiming that victims’ bank accounts require verification or that suspicious transactions have been detected.

In online dating scams, perpetrators create fake social media or dating profiles and establish relationships with unsuspecting individuals.

Members of the public are further cautioned against fraudulent messages informing them that they have won competitions, lotteries, vehicles, cash prizes or other valuable items. #OnlineSafety #SaferFestiveSeason #sapsHINT #SafetyEveryday ML
https://t.co/6LWrJjpUoi

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 11, 2026