Fraudsters impersonate home affairs minister to scam public

Fraudsters are using the name and identity of home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu to send messages, the minister’s office has warned.

In a public scam alert issued on Friday, Iipumbu says her mobile phone or contact information may have been compromised, with fraudulent messages being sent to individuals whose contact details are saved on her phone.

The messages are reportedly being sent from a South African number, +27 73 415 7051.

“I do not have a South African mobile number and I urge the public to treat any communication from the number claiming to be from me as fraudulent and disregard it,” she says.

She warns people against responding to suspicious messages, providing personal, confidential or financial information, transferring money or making payments, or providing favours, assistance or services requested through such communications.

She cautions the public against clicking on suspicious links or following instructions in unsolicited messages.

Iipumbu urges anyone receiving a message claiming to be from her to verify it through an official and trusted channel before taking action.

She encourages people to share the warning with colleagues, friends and family to help prevent fraud attempts.

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