Watch out for these Lottery fraudsters

The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has warned members of the public and especially non-profit organisations to watch out for crime syndicates demanding money for grant applications.

According to Mr Ndivhuwo Mafela, spokesperson for the NLC, it has come to their attention that individials, using various aliases, contact applicants that have applied for funding with news that their applications have been successful.

“They then request that money be deposited into their accounts as admin fees to release the grant payments. Those who have been targeted soon discover that the apparent officials do not work for the NLC,” said Mafela.

“The NLC is working in close co-operation with law-enforcement agencies to trace the people behind these scams and bring them to book,” he added.

The NLC emphasized that it does not employ agents to facilitate applications and grant payments. The NLC also does not charge any fees for the processing of applications or to pay out grants.

“Report these activities to your local police station and contact us if your organisation has been approached in this manner,” said Mafela. The NLC’s anti-fraud number is 0800 212 129.

“Call us on 08600 65383 to verify information if you are contacted by so-called agents for any reason. Members of the public can access information and assistance at our provincial offices free of charge,” said Mafela.

News in brief - Date: 16 May 2019

Anton van Zyl

Anton van Zyl has been with the Zoutpansberger and Limpopo Mirror since 1990. He graduated from the Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and obtained a BA Communications degree. He is a founder member of the Association of Independent Publishers.

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