The South African Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) issued a stern warning to the public concerning a fraudulent TikTok account impersonating Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana. The imposter account has been reportedly engaging in scams on social media platforms.
The deceptive account, utilizing Kekana’s name and images, has been luring users by falsely promising trading lessons for a fee, claiming that these lessons can lead to substantial financial gains exceeding R50,000. DPME clarified in a statement released on Sunday that Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana neither possesses a TikTok account nor offers any educational training programs.
Social media users are strongly advised against interacting with this fraudulent account to prevent falling victim to scams. The DPME emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged individuals not to engage in any financial transactions or share personal information with the imposter.
This incident underscores the rising challenges of online impersonation and fraud, prompting authorities to remind the public to verify the authenticity of social media accounts associated with public figures. As technology continues to advance, individuals are encouraged to exercise caution and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
The DPME is actively working to address the issue, collaborating with law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the impersonation and scam attempts. As investigations unfold, the department assures the public that stringent measures will be taken to curb such fraudulent activities in the digital space.
In conclusion, the DPME advises citizens in South Africa to stay informed about the latest developments and alerts related to online security and to report any suspicious accounts promptly. The department remains committed to safeguarding the public from cyber threats and ensuring a secure online environment for all users.