By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development has warned the public about a scam involving fake messages related to driver’s license collection. The Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) has identified a fraudster using the Econet numbers 0779 171 199 and 0783 123 505 to target unsuspecting drivers.
According to the CVR, the scammer poses as an official, interchanging names such as Mr. Moyo, Mr. Sibanda, Mr. Nkomo, or Mr. Dube from the Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) in Eastlea.
Victims receive messages claiming that their driver’s licenses are ready for collection and are instructed to come to Harare.
Upon arrival, the victims are directed to deposit USD 50 into accounts associated with One Money or Ecocash, specifically:
– Ecocash Account 0715 107 676
– Ecocash Account 0715 107 468
– Ecocash Account 0786 721 613
Once the money is transferred, the fraudster blocks the victim, leaving them without their funds and without a driver’s license.
The CVR urges the public to disregard any text messages regarding driver’s license collection from the aforementioned numbers. They emphasize that no money should ever be deposited into accounts provided by unknown individuals.
If anyone receives such messages, they are advised to report the matter to the nearest police station to assist the Zimbabwe Republic Police in apprehending the fraudsters.
This alert serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and cautious regarding unsolicited communications, especially those involving financial transactions.