The con artists' modus operandi is rooted in hacking and then seeking to fleece the victim's contacts of money by sending messages in the pretence that the said contact has been arrested for drinking and driving and needs bail money.
They operate either late at night or in the early hours of the day.
Their long list of victims have been George Maluleka, Themba Zwane, Joel Masutha, Kaitano Tembo, Thabo Mnyamane, Andile Jali, Siyabonga Nomvete, Lebogang Mokoena and Katlego Mphela amongst many.
Now DStv Premiership club Stellenbosch FC's goalkeeper Pernell McKop has been added to the list.
On Friday several of his contacts woke up to messages that he has been arrested and is in urgent need of funds to bail him out of the situation.
The network of those close to him quickly put out messages that this was all fraudulent.
McKop – who is the older brother to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Wits University left-footer Henry 'Bully' McKop – has gone about his work to good effect at Stellenbosch whose keepers Sage Stephens and Lee Langeveldt have conceded 20, which is the fourth best in the league.
The experienced keeper with Zimbabwean roots has previously worked at Santos, Free State Stars, FC AK, Bay United, Maritzburg United, Glendene United, and Ubuntu Cape Town.