Lovemore Chazingwa
An accreditation scam understood to particularly target foreign media practitioners, mainly those based in South Africa, is said to have been detected and being orchestrated by yet to be identified individual(s), triggering counter high alert mechanisms within the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).
ZMC released a press statement indicating that it was made aware of a disturbing scam mainly targeting Zimbabwean media practitioners operating south of the Limpopo.
“The ZMC has been made aware of a disturbing scam in which an individual is posing as a ZMC accreditation agent and swindling unsuspecting media practitioners, particularly Zimbabweans based in South Africa.”
The communique by ZMC alleges that the scammer is demanding US$70 via Mukuru for the accreditation process.
Mukuru is an international mobile money transfer operator providing financial transactions service.
ZMC roundly condemned the scam while reiterating its position on media accreditation processes.
“The ZMC condemns in the strongest possible terms these despicable acts, which are designed to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. ZMC wishes to inform the public that it does not have any agents or representatives who collect payments for media accreditation cards through any unorthodox means.”
The commission urges practitioners to access its services through authentic, verified, confirmed and official channels.
“We urge stakeholders of the commission to be cautious and vigilant when seeking ZMC services. The ZMC assures the public that all legitimate services related to media accreditation cards are provided through official channels including the ZMC website and offices. Members of the public can verify the authenticity of any communication or transaction by contacting the ZMC directly.”
The regulatory body says it has heightened investigations to get to the bottom of the matter. Law enforcement agents have been roped in to bring culprits to book.
“The commission is engaging law enforcement agencies to investigate and possibly apprehend the individuals behind this scam and bring them to justice.”
The commission urges anyone with leads to come forward for onward activation.
“We urge anyone who may have been approached by this individual(s) or has information about these scams to come forward and report to the relevant authorities.”
