Conmen turn to social media with fake charity accounts

May 08, 2020

After sending friend requests to individuals, they immediately begin asking for money aggressively.

 
With the increasing number of fundraising charities on social media to help orphanages during this coronavirus pandemic, many unscrupulous persons are taking advantage of this to con people.
 
There is a fake Facebook account being operated in the names of Ssanyu Babies Home, by unknown people. The conmen target individuals in faith-based groups with a large following. 
 
After sending friend requests to individuals, they immediately begin asking for money aggressively.
 
"The COVID-19 pandemic has led people to do unthinkable things. Recently we have been alerted to the fact that members of the public have set up multiple Facebook pages, impersonating Ssanyu Babies' Home (SBH)," said Barbara Nankya Mutagubya, the home's director.
 
Speaking to New Vision, Nankya noted that sometimes, the conmen send a photo or two of vulnerable children holding placards with messages asking for help. 
 
These children are randomly picked and stage-managed for photoshoots. They give a disguised story about being orphans themselves until you find yourself more than willing to donate to the children in these orphanages. 
 
She advised the public against visiting the page because the information posted is false.
 
"We have had issues in the past regarding our Facebook Page so we set up our new one Sanyu Babies' Home Kampala, it was opened in January 2020. This is our only Facebook page and we post on it multiple times a week," she said.
 
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said they were aware of the matter. 
 
"The director reported the case and we are still doing investigations. Our cyber-crime unit is on the lookout and anybody we get, we shall take them to court," Onyango said.
 
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) condemns the vice and warns the public against irresponsible and illegal use of all communication platforms.
 
Section 3 of the Uganda Computer Misuse Act, says offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and forty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or both.

 

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