By Delicious Mathuthu
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development has issued a stern warning to farmers and the general public about fraudulent activities being carried out by individuals impersonating the Ministry.
The warning comes as a timely reminder for farmers and the public to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those promising lucrative grants or funding.
According to a statement recently released by the Ministry, scammers are misusing the Ministry’s name and reputation to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals and entities through a purported farming agribusiness grant program.
Fake adverts and letters purported to be from the Ministry were recently in circulation said to be for a Grant Fund by the Global Farmers Association to benefit farmers, some using the names of senior Ministry officials.
The Ministry communications department in a statement said it ‘categorically’ denies the existence of such a program and distances itself from these malicious activities.
“We want to assure the public that the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development is not associated with these scams,” part of the statement read.
To protect themselves from these scams, the Ministry advised the public to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from the ministry by ensuring it comes from official platforms, including the Ministry’s official Facebook page and Twitter handle and website.
The Ministry also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by these scams and appreciated the public’s vigilance and cooperation in combating them.
