IMAGE: Namibia Fact Check / WhatsApp
A new version of a familiar phishing scam is once again making the rounds on WhatsApp in various countries in mid-2024
In Namibian groups the message falsely claims that MTC is offering free data to eligible long-term customers.
MTC debunked the circulating post in the early hours of 5 June 2024. However, despite their quick response on Facebook stating it was fake, the post has continued to circulate into July 2024, when the post was forwarded to Namibia Fact Check for verification.
The post (image below) reads as follows:
“CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MTC OLD CUSTOMERS
MTC Namibia is Offering Free Data to all OLD SIM CARD
6 Month Old Sim – 5GB
1 Year and above – 10GB
5 Years and above – 50GB
10 Years plus – Unlimited
Hurry Now and check if your MTC SIM CARD is eligible for this offer CHECK HERE“
Namibia Fact Check has discovered that various versions of this message have been circulating in WhatsApp groups, with some also making their way to Facebook.
The post is also being used by scammers in South Africa, for on 8 June 2024, an identical message tailored for South African social media users who are MTN subscribers was shared in a Facebook group with over 12,000 members.
Further afield, Africa Check researcher Grace Gichuhi published a report on 14 July, warning Kenyans about a similar engagement bait post. This post was aimed at Safaricom users, a Kenyan mobile network operator, to prevent them from falling victim.
The Facts
MTC has debunked the circulating message by posting the following message (image below) on their social media pages:
“Dear MTC customers,
We have taken note of a post circulating on social media claiming that “MTC is Offering Free Data to all old customers.”
Please note that this is fake and a potential phishing scam. We urged all our customers to not share or click on any of the links.
Whenever in doubt, always contact our customer contact centre to verify. Our toll free number is 12000 or 13000.”
Namibian social media users are cautioned not to click on the link in the scam post.