The Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has warned the public to be vigilant of a fraudulent scam in which victims are called by perpetrators claiming they were paid to kill them and demanding money to spare their lives.

IMPERSONATING OFFICERS

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said three public servants in the province reported similar incidents. "Two businessmen also received calls from a person impersonating a Hawks employee, alleging that he was investigating their cases. He demanded money from them to avoid prosecution," said Ledwaba.

BE CAUTIOUS

The police have appealed to community members to guard against the scammers and not fall victim to their tricks. Ledwaba warned community members who've received suspicious calls to rather verify caller identity by asking for their names and the location of where they are based. "Contact the police station that the scammer claims to be stationed at to verify whether there is a legitimate warrant of arrest for you or whether the supposed official works there. Do not pay them anything, as the legitimate police will never demand cash in exchange for their service."