By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
As Fraudsters impersonating public officials, Government Ministries continue wreck havoc in the era of the internet, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce has warned the public of scammers on the loose, impersonating the ministry’s officials, and offering fake grants and loans on Facebook and email.
In a press statement, the Ministry expressed worry,warning the public to be alert.
“Fake loans, grants, adverts and offer letters impersonating the Ministry are in circulation. Be warned that these loan and grant offers are the work of scammers and must be ignored. The Ministry therefore takes this opportunity to advise all stakeholders and citizens that it is not offering loans and grants, ” notes the Ministry.
According to the communication by the Industry and Commerce Ministry, the modus operandi by the scammers include targeting individuals and entice them into applying for loans but end up losing their hard-earned monies in the alleged application process.
It has thus urged anyone approached by such a proposition through email, Facebook or any other means must not entertain such offers.
“Reports have been made to the relevant authorities and measures are being taken to make sure that the work of the fraudsters is stopped.Please stay safe and report any suspicious messages.”
This is not the first time that a Government Ministry has had to release a fraud alert message as recently scammers were offering non existent jobs to desperate job seekers, while hiding under the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. This is indicative of how sophisticated and relentless online fraudsters have become.
Members of the public have been urged to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce through the Communications and Advocacy Unit on email info@moic.org.zw/ landline (263) 791823/702733/700472/X Handle @Min_of_IC. 242