Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
SCAMMERS are on the prowl on social media platforms, where they are impersonating Government officials, and swindling desperate entrepreneurs with carefully worded grant information that perfectly fits the Second Republic’s vision.
The Government has, however, warned people against partaking in any such grant and loan schemes where they are demanded to part with certain amounts for the facilitation of their application forms.
One Bulawayo woman, who declined to be named told the Sunday News she made an application for the grant, and almost fell victim to the elaborate fraudulent scheme.
She said she was hopeful for a financial boost to expand her detergent-making business and when she came across a supposed loan scheme, purportedly from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce offering US$75 000, she was excited.
“A friend who knows I am an entrepreneur found this grant information online claiming to be from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. She encouraged me to check it out on Facebook.
I did, and the link led me to a page detailing the grants. I sent an enquiry email, and they responded promptly with an application form that I filled out. They told me that my application aligned with their selection criteria,” she said.
She said initially, she felt secure in her dealings with the scammers as their communication came from a locally sounding email address ([email protected]).
Other contacts included a Dr John Cherop ([email protected]) and a Dr Christine Chiwanza.
One email from the fake scammers stated: “This grant is a cornerstone for fostering growth and igniting innovation within our communities, providing essential resources that empower entrepreneurs to transform their visions into reality. By facilitating access to funding, we can unlock potential and drive meaningful change, ultimately enhancing the economic landscape for all. I want to sincerely thank you for your unwavering support, hard work, and partnership in advancing our entrepreneurial efforts, which are crucial for the steady growth of our economy.
“Despite the numerous challenges that have hindered our businesses and led to significant losses, your commitment has been a source of strength. We are confident that this initiative will create more job opportunities for our youth, bolster local labour, and improve innovation and research across various sectors. To keep you aligned with your funding application, we’ve outlined the key details below to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth continuation and a clear understanding of the next steps,” read the email.
However, after her application was approved, she was informed that a certification fee needed to be paid through their agent in Kenya.
As a cautious small business owner, she became suspicious and turned to online platforms to investigate the individuals and companies she was dealing with.
“They claimed that the certification could only be processed by someone in Nairobi, Kenya, and the documentation appeared formal. But when I checked LinkedIn for their profiles, I found nothing. I expected to see established professionals with a history of positive impact,” she said.
This was a significant red flag.
The supposed agent in Nairobi requested payments through Mukuru or Western Union. Growing suspicious, she decided to halt her pursuit of the grant.
She learned that individuals seeking the loan were asked to pay various amounts of US$190 for individuals, US$280 for groups, US$360 for companies, and US$385 for co-operatives.
“Our last communication was me suggesting they deduct the certification fee from the grant, but they refused. They insisted I pay the fee upfront before receiving the US$75 000,” she noted.
Fortunately, she recognised the ruse before losing any money, though it remains unclear how many others could have fallen for the scam.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce admitted that there were fraudsters on the prowl and has since issued a warning stating that scammers are impersonating officials and offering fake grants and loan opportunities via email and social media.
“The targeted individuals are being lured into applying for loans, only to lose their hard-earned money in the process. These fraudulent offers are in circulation. We advise all stakeholders and citizens to disregard such schemes,” said the ministry in a statement.
They urged the public to report any suspicious messages they receive claiming to be from the ministry.
Concerned citizens can verify the authenticity of communications by contacting the Communications and Advocacy Unit via email at [email protected] or by calling (263) 242 791823/702733/700472.
“Please remain vigilant and report any dubious offers. We appreciate the public’s cooperation in combating these scams,” the ministry added.
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