South African govt departments issue warnings as social media scams hit institutions

 

Johannesburg:  Several South African government ministries and institutions on Tuesday issued warnings after attempts were made to scam the public using their credentials through social media.

The Department of Human Settlements warned the public of fake LinkedIn accounts in the name of its minister; the Department of Health about fake calls for tenders worth millions being emailed to unsuspecting people; and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has expressed concern about fake accounts in the name of its CEO Sy Mamabolo.

“The Department of Human Settlements notes with great concern a fake LinkedIn account purporting to be that of Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, used by scammers to take money from unsuspecting individuals, promising them funding opportunities,” a statement from the department said on Tuesday.