Government has issued a stern warning to unscrupulous people sending fake messages falsely claiming Social Cash Transfer (SCT) payments have been released, aimed at stealing personal data and money from poor beneficiaries.
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Principal Public Relations Officer, Glenda Nachinga, says the ministry has noted with serious concern the growing number of scammers targeting poor and vulnerable citizens.
Ms Nachinga has explained that the fake messages are designed to mislead beneficiaries into believing that payments have been made, with the intention of stealing personal information and money.
She said the ministry wishes to categorically state that all SCT payment announcements are communicated strictly through official government channels and approved payment service providers.
She cautioned beneficiaries to treat any message originating from unknown or unofficial sources as a scam and to report such cases immediately to the ministry or the nearest District Social Welfare Office.
In a statement made available to ZANIS, Ms Nachinga further warned individuals behind the fraudulent activities to desist, stating that defrauding citizens of critical social assistance is criminal, unethical, and retrogressive.
She advised SCT beneficiaries to take precautionary measures, including verifying payment information with District Social Welfare Offices, Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWAC’s), or fellow beneficiaries before attempting to collect funds.
“Beneficiaries must never share their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) with anyone, including agents, as PINs are strictly confidential,” Ms Nachinga emphasised.
She also urged the public to report suspicious messages or phone numbers to the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) or the Zambia Police Service.
Ms Nachinga disclosed that the ministry is working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in the scams.
“We urge all beneficiaries and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected fraud. Together, we can protect the integrity of the Social Cash Transfer Programme and safeguard the dignity of our most vulnerable citizens,” she said.
