Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Police have unearthed a new crime wave where fraudsters are using facebook to lure unsuspecting people to make cash deposits in Bank accounts they have opened on the pretext that they would secure them employment.
Police deputy spokesperson Esther Katongo explains that fraudsters are creating fake facebook accounts using information and profile pictures of prominent people in society, among them First Lady, Esther Lungu, Inspector General of Police, Kakoma Kanganja, former Finance Minister, Alexander Chikwanda, Former Minister of Works and Supply, Yamfwa Mukanga and Former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mukondo Lungu.
s. Katongo says investigations have revealed that these fraudsters are using false information to open Bank accounts to avoid easy detection and are working in collaboration with foreigners.
She says some members of the public have already fallen victim and have made cash deposits in the bank accounts of the fraudsters.
Ms Katongo says one person identified as Gideon Chibwe has since been apprehended and charged with three counts of impersonation where he impersonated the First Lady, the Inspector General of Police, and Former Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda.
Ms. Katongo says Chibwe is also facing two counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretences and one count of Attempting to Obtain Money by False Pretences.
She says the suspect who works for Roma Security Company was purporting to be an employee of Mazabuka Municipal Council.
Ms. Katongo has since advised members of the public to be wary of such criminal activities and avoid falling prey.