Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a warning to the public after receiving reports of scammers using his name to defraud citizens. The South African presidency has urged people to be vigilant and cautious when receiving calls or messages from anyone claiming to be the president.
According to reports, the scammers have been contacting people via phone calls or text messages, claiming to be Ramaphosa or members of his staff. They then ask for personal information, such as bank account details or identity documents, with the promise of government grants or other benefits.
“Let me be clear, I will never call a member of the public to ask for their personal information,” Ramaphosa said in a statement. “Anyone who receives such a call or message is urged to hang up or delete the message immediately.”
The South African police have been investigating the scam and have urged citizens to report any suspicious calls or messages to their local police station. The presidency has also advised people to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the government by contacting their local government office.
With more people working and communicating online, scams and frauds have become increasingly common, and the South African government has been working to combat these crimes. In addition to warning the public against scams, Ramaphosa has also called for stricter measures to be put in place to prevent fraud and identity theft.
“We need to make sure that our laws and regulations keep pace with the changing nature of crime in the digital age,” he said. “We must work together to ensure that all our citizens are protected against cybercrime and other forms of fraud.”
The South African government also launched a cybersecurity strategy in 2020 to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity defenses and improve awareness of online threats. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from scams and frauds.
“Scammers will always try to find new ways to deceive people,” said Ramaphosa. “But if we work together and stay vigilant, we can prevent them from succeeding.”
In conclusion, the South African president’s warning against impersonation scams is a timely reminder for citizens to be cautious and vigilant when receiving phone calls or messages from unknown sources. By taking steps to verify the authenticity of any communication and reporting suspicious activity to local authorities, individuals can protect themselves and prevent scammers from succeeding.
