8 August 2013
Government calls on all South Africans, including the business sector, to be vigilant of scams that are ‘going viral’ to entice unsuspecting individuals and businesses into believing they would benefit from them or contribute towards improving the work of charitable organisations.
Acting GCIS CEO, Phumla Williams, said “South Africans, are urged to take extreme caution to avoid falling prey to these criminal activities. The public should also be aware of those who lure victims by pretending to have benefitted from such scams.”
Government has noted the latest scam involves a request for people to donate money towards the Mandela Foundation. The organisation has indicated that these are scams that are intended to undermine the legacy of Nelson Mandela as well as the continued work of his charity.
Another trend is that government departments’ logos and bogus letterheads are being used in an attempt to get money by, among other things, promises of securing employment and other services such as obtaining fake official certificates.
“Members of the public randomly receive false emails and phone calls made to look as authentic government correspondence. Government has official platforms and processes to be followed in the event of a department requiring information,” said Williams.
The public is encouraged to work with law enforcement agencies and report any scams that they are aware of in order for the perpetrators to be investigated and for such practices to be stopped.
Enquiries:
Phumla Williams
Cell: 083 501 0139
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
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