Without Ever Leaving His Home Province
CCN Reporting Team.
Hopefield:- A man from the rural town of Hopefield found himself at the center of a shocking police investigation on Monday, 19 May, accused of being linked to fraudulent activity via a cellphone number he had never owned, in a city he has never even visited, Pretoria.
The Sammy Marks Building – Pretoria where the sim card was sold
The man, a well-known community leader, received an unexpected call that morning, from someone claiming to be from the “Telecommunication Department of South Africa”. What followed felt like a courtroom interrogation.
“It felt like I was on trial,” he recalls.
“The caller asked if I was the owner of a certain number. I told them I wasn’t. They then warned me that all my cellphone numbers, i only have two legally registered numbers, would be blocked within the next two hours.”
He was then connected to a police officer at the Pretoria Mood Police Station, where he was told that 18 cases of “illegal advertisement and tax scam messaging” had been opened against his name.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, they even gave me a case number and said the SIM card used for the scams was registered in my name.” “Using my ID, at a store in the Sammy Marks building in Church Street, Pretoria. (They even named the name of the specific shop, and i’ve never been to that building or even Pretoria.)”
The Dangers of ID Fraud
This case highlights how easily identity fraud can occur in South Africa. SIM cards, bank accounts, and other services are often opened using stolen ID numbers, sometimes without the person’s knowledge.
“I want to warn everyone,” he says. “Never hand over your ID card for photocopying unless it’s absolutely necessary. All it takes is one dishonest staff member and your identity can be abused.”
More Cases – Banking Scam in Vredenburg
The man also referred to a disturbing local case, where another individual in Vredenburg lost their entire monthly salary after using their bank card at a small spaza shop. Authorities suspect the card was cloned or tampered with during the transaction, and a police investigation is ongoing.
Mobile Games – A Costly Mistake
In another incident from last year, the man downloaded free mobile games onto his phone, not knowing it would cost him dearly.
“Over R3000 disappeared from my Capitec bank account without explanation. and i went straight to the bank in Vredenburg to report it.” ” Thankfully, their fraud unit acted quickly and the full amount was refunded within 30 days.”
He warns others to avoid downloading unknown or free apps, especially games that may have hidden subscription traps or security vulnerabilities.
“I don’t play mobile games anymore, because i’ve learned my lesson.”
Ongoing Police Investigation
The SIM card registered using his ID number remains under investigation by Pretoria police. His official statement has been taken via video call, where he clarified that he had no knowledge of the number or the store where it was purchased. And the sim-card number was blocked by the Telecommunication Department of South Africa.
Advice to the Public
- Never hand over your ID card for copying without a valid reason.
- Use bank cards only at trusted shops – and check your statements regularly.
- Avoid free apps and games unless downloaded from official stores with good reviews.
- Always ask for a receipt or confirmation when buying or registering services.
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to your bank and the police.
