GOVERNMENT letterheads and official-looking stamps have long been a favourite prop in the scammer's toolkit, lending an air of authority to demands that have no basis whatsoever.
Now, letters and advertisements bearing the name of the National Audit Department have been circulating virally, claiming that payments are required for audit verification, fund releases or the issuance of certificates.
Are scammers really using the National Audit Department's name to con the public?
Verdict:
TRUE
The National Audit Department has confirmed that letters and advertisements circulating virally and bearing its name are forgeries, and has lodged a police report over the matter.
In a statement, the department strongly denied any involvement in activities requesting payments for audit verification, fund releases or the issuance of an External Audit Clearance Certificate (EACC).
The department said it viewed the existence of forged documents using its name and identity seriously, particularly in the context of audit matters and payment claims.
"The National Audit Department also confirms that the viral letter is a forgery, including the unauthorised use of the name and signature of a department officer," the statement read.
A police report has since been lodged regarding the misuse of the department's identity and the falsification of documents to facilitate further action by the authorities.
The public is advised not to be deceived and to refrain from making any payments to parties claiming to represent the National Audit Department for audit purposes or the issuance of certificates.
The department also urged the public to remain vigilant against any further misuse of its name.
Any official correspondence from the National Audit Department can be verified through its official channels, and members of the public who have received such letters or advertisements are encouraged to report them to the authorities.
