"Fake" Matia Kasaija cons Tumwebaze of $315 as ministry warns of fraudsters
GLORIA CHARLOTTE KIRABO
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development has refuted allegations that it is in partnership with USAID and Global Entrepreneurship Forum [GEF] to provide funds and operating capital to small and medium enterprises.
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This follows social media posts that some people have been conned in this fictitious scheme.
One of them Solomon Tumwebaze [not real names] a graduate from makerere university fell into the trap of internet fraudsters hoping to get Shs 38.5 million
It all started when someone claiming to be Matia Kasaija, the minister of Finance, requested to be his friend on Facebook.
When he accepted the friendship, the person operating the fake account of Kasaija sent him a link to grants to small and medium enterprises.
When he clicked on the link, it led him to a form which he needed to fill out before he could become eligible for the grants.
Tumwebaze said that the email address was in the names of Global Entrepreneurship Forum and the he was quick to respond to all the requirements
But there was terms and conditions for the grant.
For instance, he was asked to pay 115 dollars to accept his proposal and $ 200 to attend the training in Kenya.
Tumwebaze and others paid a total of $ 315 via western union and Diamond Trust bank.
Apollo Munghinda an official at the ministry said this is one of those absurd stories where Ugandans have fallen victims.
He said the ministry is working hand in hand with police to investigate the matter warning the public to be on alert for such adverts.
Fraudsters are using each opportunity to make money and social media is one of their favourite platforms.
