The Ministry of Education has issued a significant warning regarding fraudulent activities targeting members of the public. Reports indicate that certain criminal groups are misusing the names and photographs of senior ministry officials to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. These fraudsters operate through fake mobile numbers and social media accounts, claiming involvement in financial transactions that have no connection to the ministry.
On the evening of Saturday, 7 March, the Ministry’s Public Relations Division released a detailed statement alerting the public to this issue. The statement emphasised: “Some unscrupulous individuals are exploiting the identities of our officials to request money from ordinary citizens. The Ministry of Education has no involvement in any such financial dealings. We urge the public not to provide money or personal information in response to phone calls, messages, or social media contacts of this nature.”
The statement further highlighted that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation and taking legal action against those responsible. Citizens were specifically advised not to trust any personal communications related to government work or transactions unless they are conducted through official ministry channels.
Officials stressed that public awareness is crucial in preventing these scams. They encouraged anyone who encounters suspicious requests or communications to verify them immediately through the ministry’s official channels. By doing so, the risk of financial loss and identity compromise can be significantly reduced.
Overview of Fraudulent Methods
The table below summarises the main methods employed by the fraudsters and their typical targets:
| Medium | Method Used | Target / Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Calls | Fake numbers | Soliciting money |
| Social Media | Copying official photographs | Misleading the public |
| Messages / Emails | Unauthorized identity claims | Collecting personal information |
The ministry underscored that only official websites, email addresses, and phone numbers should be considered trustworthy for any transactions or information exchange. Individuals are urged to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to unsolicited communications.
This warning is particularly relevant to students, parents, and educational institution officials, who may be more vulnerable to such fraudulent schemes. The Ministry of Education hopes that with increased public awareness and caution, these deceptive practices can be curtailed swiftly.
By alerting citizens and reinforcing safe communication practices, the ministry aims to minimise the impact of identity-based scams and protect the public from financial and personal harm.