Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry says it is aware of a fake Facebook page under its name advertising and claiming that the Ministry has partnered with USAID, BACC and other International bodies in giving out grants to deserving citizens to boost their business during this time.
Ministry Public Relations Manager Godfrida Chanda has since disputed that the ministry is not disbursing any grants and is not running any empowerment programme on behalf of and in partnership with the United States of American Agencies.
“The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry wishes to inform the members of the public that there are fraudsters who have created a fake Facebook page named as Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry-Zambia advertising and claiming that the Ministry has partnered with USAID, BACC and other International bodies in giving out grants to deserving citizens to boost their business during this time,” Ms Chanda said.
Ms Chanda indicated that unscrupulous people are taking advantage of the financial challenges being faced by entrepreneurs especially in light of Covid-19.
She has since advised members of the public to take precautionary measures to avoid being swindled by seeking clarity with the Ministry.
“Kindly note that the Ministry is not disbursing any grants and is not running any empowerment programme on behalf of and in partnership with the United States of American Agencies,” She added.
Ms Chanda noted that the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry like any other Government Institution does not use social media platforms for submission of any application forms needing empowerment.
“In view of this, the Ministry would like to alert and remind the members of the public to take precautionary measures to avoid being swindled by seeking clarity with the Ministry,” Ms Chanda emphasized.
“The Ministry like any other Government Institution does not use social media platforms for submission of any application forms needing empowerment”
She adds that the matter has since been reported to relevant authorities and all those who will be found wanting, will be arrested and dealt with according to the provisions of Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
This is contained in a statement obtained by money FM News.