The government has recently become aware of a criminal syndicate operating on social media platforms targeting ministers.
Public Works Minister Nathi Nhleko said these criminals created false stories “to extort money from unsuspecting high profile personalities”.
He said about a week ago, an account in the name of a minister was created ostensibly to call for investors into a R25 million deal a “venture between that minister and Nhleko.”
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Scammed Centurion man allegedly threatened
The department said the fraudster was using the deal as a ruse to collect the personal information of the “investors”.
“It is a pity that these criminals have become so desperate to an extent that they will peddle lies in a bid to get personal private information of unsuspecting members of the public,” Nhleko said.
“The department will never ask people to pay money through social media for any of their services and anyone who is approached with such a request should report such a matter to the police.”
He said the department had uncovered more such scams and “has reported the matter to the relevant authorities”.
It warned the public to be wary of cybercriminals prowling the internet.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
