GPOC warns public of social media scammers

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has cautioned the public to beware of persons or organisations intending to execute scams through social media, with the operation of extorting money.
On Monday the Corporation stated that the act is being carried out by unknown persons and clearly indicated that they do not have any promotions via Whatsapp, Gmail, Facebook or other social media platforms.
The public was requested not to make any payment of fees or other transactions through these mediums since no one has been authorised to collect monies on their behalf for any competition or promotion.
The GPOC said that it will take legal action against persons found culpable of this offence. Persons with any information of suspicious actions are asked to contact GPOC through its telephone numbers or email at [email protected]. Their Facebook Page, Guyana Post Office Corporation, is also active.
In recent time, several public agencies have reported scams which have defrauded the public. Just over two weeks ago, Central Housing and Planning Authority sent out a stern warning about a fake Facebook profile under the name of President David Granger, which had been extorting monies from persons in exchange for land.
According to the Authority, the sham was set up through a profile named His Excellency President David Granger and has been informing persons that the Ministry of the Presidency is distributing housing units to interested persons. They were asked to make a down payment through the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT) Mobile Money system and the money disappears.
The agency had clearly denied their involvement in any such programme under the Ministry of the Presidency or other organisations. Furthermore, legitimate programmes do not require payments through Money Mobile transfers.
These operations are carried out primarily on social media, where vulnerable persons fall prey. In June the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) reported a hike in scamming reports from customers in the Mobile Money Department. According to GTT, as a result of the increasing reports of scams, it has taken several measures to encourage customers to stay alert of fraudsters.