MBABANE – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has issued a stern warning to the public as fraudsters behind the infamous ‘facata’ scam have adopted a new and alarming tactic, impersonating police officers to deceive unsuspecting citizens.
According to the police, scammers are now using unauthorised phone numbers and WhatsApp accounts with fake police insignia, and even caller IDs falsely displaying “Royal Eswatini Police Services” on Truecaller, to appear legitimate.
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Fraudsters Pretend to Be Law Enforcement
Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni, confirmed that several individuals have been targeted by people posing as police officers.
“These individuals are not members of the police service. They are criminals exploiting the public’s trust in law enforcement,” Mnguni said.
“As we mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we urge everyone to remain vigilant and cautious about who they speak to online or over the phone.”
Aiming to Gain Trust and Personal Information
Mnguni explained that the scammers use their fake identity to gain trust and convince victims to share sensitive information, such as bank details, PINs, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
The fraudsters often sound convincing, sometimes claiming to be investigating the victim or helping them block suspicious ‘facata’ numbers.
“This is all part of a coordinated scam aimed at manipulating victims into revealing confidential data,” she said.
Police Clarify Official Communication Channels
Mnguni stressed that the Royal Eswatini Police Service only operates one official WhatsApp number: +268 7999 1000, which is connected directly to the police emergency system.
“Any other number claiming to represent the police is fraudulent. Citizens should never share personal or financial details over the phone,” she cautioned.
The police service will never request banking details, PINs, OTPs, or money transfers through calls or messaging platforms.
Report Suspicious Calls Immediately
Victims or potential targets are urged to report incidents immediately to the nearest police station or call the REPS emergency lines at 999, 9999, or 112.
Those affected can also contact Detective Sergeant Mandla Sihlongonyane at +268 7913 4410, who is currently investigating the cyber fraud cases.
Mnguni emphasised that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and urged vigilance to protect communities from digital scams.
“With awareness and caution, we can all help keep Eswatini safe from these criminals,” she concluded.
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