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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
CON artists outside the country are using social media accounts, some impersonating ZimTrade officers, to lure unsuspecting people into fraudulent investment groups and anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from ZimTrade should contact the national trade development and promotion agency directly for confirmation.
A social media account, ZimTrade Investments, using the ZimTrade logo, is active and being used to lure people into an investment group. But despite the name and logo, it has absolutely nothing to do with ZimTrade.
So far all these impersonation accounts are all reported to be using foreign numbers to contact interested persons via the WhatsApp platform.
“ZimTrade, the national trade development and promotion agency of Zimbabwe, has noted with concern the fake social media groups and communities, some using the name ‘ZimTrade Investments’, as well as the ZimTrade name and logo,” said the agency in a statement.
“These groups are being managed and their content being circulated by persons using foreign numbers. These individuals are impersonating ZimTrade officials and masquerading as an investment firm, encouraging businesses and individuals to join a bogus WhatsApp group and follow an unreliable link to join the fake investment firm.
“As ZimTrade we would like to advise our stakeholders and the business community that we are not in any way associated with these groups and any content generated by these individuals. As such, we encourage you to ignore their messages as there is a high risk that these are conmen, likely to dupe people of their hard-earned money.”
ZimTrade was working with authorities to establish the identities behind the alleged bogus individuals.
“We strongly advise you to report any direct contact to the official numbers. ZimTrade continues to support its stakeholders in its mandate to energise Zimbabwe’s export growth.”
ZimTrade is the national trade development and promotion organisation of Zimbabwe established in 1991 as a unique joint-venture partnership between the private sector and the Government.
“Working closely with partners, industry experts and development co-operation partners, we provide a comprehensive suite of value-added services,” the organisation stated.
ZimTrade makes global markets accessible to Zimbabwean exporters, ranging from newcomers taking their first steps in the industry through to experienced pros.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter