Cellphone hackers are targeting PSL players and coaches

PSL players and coaches have become the target for cellphone hacking scam artists with another victim coming forward this week.

According to Kickoff.com the con artists’ modus operandi is rooted in hacking the device and then seeking to fleece the victim’s contacts of money. They do this by sending messages in the pretence that the said contact has been arrested and needs bail money.

Cellphone hackers target PSL stars

Such high profile figures as George Maluleka, Themba Zwane, Joel Masutha, Kaitano Tembo, Thabo Mnyamane, Andile Jali, Siyabonga Nomvete, Lebogang Mokoena and Katlego Mphela have reportedly been victimised.

Stellenbosch FC’s goalkeeper Pernell McKop is the latest one to be added to the list.

Several of McKop’s contacts awoke on Friday morning to messages alleging he had been arrested and was asking for bail money.

Family members and those closest to McKop soon circulated that the messages were fraudulent.

Maluleka has been targeted by cellphone fraudsters on multiple occasions stretching back to an incident in 2014 when he was still on the books of Kaizer Chiefs.

Late last year SuperSport United coach Kaitano Tembo suffered a similar experience.

Tembo told the Sowetan: “These hackers turned my life into a nightmare. On Monday, I lost my phone, and that is when the trouble started. I reported the incident to the police and opened a case. These hackers are asking for money from my contacts claiming that I am in prison.

“Others are sending pictures and play with the people’s emotions.

“Please do not respond to the text messages. It is not me. I am not in trouble and am in good health. I do not need money for Uber rides, to get out of prison and to cover for emergencies. I am also not circulating weird pictures. It is not me. It hurts me to see people depositing money into [such] an account,” said an annoyed Kaitano Tembo.

The Sowetan