Be alert: avoid new impersonation scam
The targeted group or individual is then lured with promises of a share in $50billion allocated by the BRICS bank to the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project
It has been brought to the attention of the national Department of Tourism that a fraud is attempting to con money out of companies and organisations by impersonating the Minister of Tourism, Miss Tokozile Xasa on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented social networking service that operates via websites and mobile apps.
A member of the targeted company, organisation or public would receive an email from the fraudster, similar to this format, which claims to be from the minister:
‘From: Tokozile Xasa [Tokozilexasa@alumni.com]
To: XXX
Subject: Linked In Message
Dear…
Great connection with you presently have a great opportunity at ground if you can manage it send me a message to my private email address Tokozilexasa@alumni.com, so I can give you more details for the proposal.
Regards,
Minister
Tokozile’
The targeted group or individual is then lured with promises of a share in $50billion allocated by the BRICS bank to the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project.
The recipients of this email will further be required to express their interest by providing information in order to be added on the fictitious Minister Beneficiary List to access US$1 million (R13 million) for job opportunities.
This modus operandi has been associated with the scam, but the public is advised to be alert, as other methods to trick victims into believing the scam may be used.
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The national Department of Tourism wants to inform the public that the email address is fake and not linked to the minister.
They further advise that if an email with the address cited above has been received, it should be treated with suspicion and reported to the nearest law enforcement agency, such as the police. The Ministry condemns such illegal activities and calls on all members of the public and service providers to be alert of these criminals and to verify the legitimacy of information received from the office of the minister by contacting Ms N Bhengu on 012 444 6770.
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