Mandela Foundation being bombarded by scammers

08 December 2016 - 16:46 By Tmg Digital
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The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s name is being used in a new phishing scam doing the rounds‚ the latest in a string of scams targeting job seekers.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s name is being used in a new phishing scam doing the rounds‚ the latest in a string of scams targeting job seekers.

"In an attempt to gather sensitive personal information from unsuspecting members of the community‚ the scam artists approach people via SMS or internet chat sites. A suggestion is made that you apply for a position as the Foundation’s ambassador in South Korea. The salary offered is between $30‚000 and $50‚000 a month‚ and the victim is asked for their CV.

"The Nelson Mandela Foundation has offices in Johannesburg only‚ and is not offering any such position anywhere."

The foundation has had to issue several similar cautionary alerts about scams.

In June‚ the foundation was made aware of a scam‚ also calling for job applications.

The poorly worded advert‚ then‚ read:

"VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT!! In partnership with Bill Gates Foundation we are seeking to employ over 1000 youths in East Africa to help with the fight against poverty‚ malnutrition‚ illiteracy and violence. Applicants must hold a minimum of a College Diploma‚ exhibit leadership qualities and possess excellent communication skills. Duties will include identifying areas that require immediate funding and coming up with long term sustainable solutions. APPLY NOW by sending your CV to careers@mandelafoundation.org..."

In October‚ the scammers were circulating an email purporting to be from Mrs Graça Machel‚ telling recipients they have been selected as an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation‚ while in September an inheritance scam was being distributed.

All of these scam messages should be ignored.

Criminals' use of Mandela's name is so frequent‚ the foundation has designated a page on its official website to warn people.

Visit:  The Nelson Mandela Foundation

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