South African Revenue Services Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo launching the 2019 tax season for taxpayers who use e-filing and the SARS MobiApp. PHOTO: Jonisayi Maromo / ANA
There is apparently a scam doing the rounds in which the fraudsters approach companies using David Masondo’s name and offer financial assistance.
South African Revenue Services Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo launching the 2019 tax season for taxpayers who use e-filing and the SARS MobiApp. PHOTO: Jonisayi Maromo / ANA
The Ministry of Finance has warned of a scam being purported in the name of Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. David Masondo.
In a statement from the National Treasury, it warns against the same being run on various platforms, promising people funding for their businesses.
“The Deputy Minister of Finance would like to alert the public that he and the Ministry would never approach people and offer them financial assistance of any kind.
“In most instances, those that fall for these scams, end up being requested to later pay thousands of rand before their businesses can be assisted, leading to financial loss and stress for the victims.”
The ministry reiterated that such scams can only succeed to the extent that members of the public have an unquenchable thirst for easy wealth.
It cautioned people to look out for warnings signs such as:
– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Lindiz van Zilla
The scam perhaps singals somewhat of a trend of scammers using policital figures to lure people into giving them money.
Back in June 2019, news emerged of a scam involving requests to residents of eThekwini to raise funds to help Zandile Gumede pay her legal fees.
“The municipality would like to warn residents that mayor Gumede has not asked for such donations and is not part of the scheme,” the eThekwini municipality statement said at the time.
“This is a scam and anyone who is approached by these unscrupulous individuals must report the matter to the nearest police station.“