In the latest scam the Department of Tourism has warned about a scam where Minister of Tourism, Tokozile Xasa is being impersonated to extract funds from companies and organisations on the social network for professionals, LinkedIn.
It works something like this: A member of the public receives an e-mail, supposedly from Minister Xasa, stating that she requests a private email sent to her personal e-mail address. Once sent, it is said she will personally provide further information.
The South African Government News Agency reports that interested organisations are then lured with promises to participate in a US$50 billion (R656 trillion) Smallholder Agriculture Development Project allocated by the BRICS bank. The recipients are furthermore required to demonstrate 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.
The domain so far associated with this scam, is Tokozilexasa@alumni.com. The department warns however that there may be others.
The Ministry has called on members of the public and service providers to be on alert, and to contact Ms N Bhengu, on 012 444 6770 to verify the legitimacy of information received from the office of the Ministry.
