By William Madouk
Nile Petroleum, South Sudanese national oil and gas company has warned the public not to be duped by online scammers.
The warning comes after the ministry discovered a fake Facebook account created in the name of the Managing Director of NilePet, Eng. Bernard Amuor Makeny.
In a statement seen by this outlet, the Public Relations and Corporate Affairs Department said Nilepet MD Makeny does not have a Facebook account. Beware of fake accounts.
“We would like to inform the public that the Managing Director of Nile Petroleum Corporation, Eng. Bernard Amuor Makeny, does not have an official Facebook account,” partly reads the statement.
“Any account opened under his name on Facebook is fake and should be treated as such. It is important to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of social media accounts before engaging with them,” it added.
The public department said fake accounts on social media platforms are unfortunately common, and individuals in positions of authority or public figures are often targeted.
“These fake accounts can be used for various purposes, including spreading misinformation, scamming people, or tarnishing someone’s reputation,” it noted.
“To ensure accurate information and avoid falling victim to scams or misinformation, it is crucial to rely on official sources of information,” the Nilepet said.
According to the Nilepet media team, Nilepet is a reputable organization that typically communicates through its official website, press releases, and verified social media accounts.
“These channels can provide reliable updates and announcements regarding the company’s activities and personnel.
“If you come across a Facebook account claiming to belong to Nilepet’s Managing Director, please report it to Facebook as a fake account. Additionally, it is advisable not to engage with or share any personal information with such accounts.
In October 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation warned the public not to be duped by online scammers.
This warning came after the ministry flagged down a fake Facebook account created in the name of Mayiik Ayii Deng, the minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation.
The fake account called on the public to apply for long- and short-term loans and grants. The ministry, however, rubbished the allegations, adding that Mayiik does not own a Facebook account.
In January 2022, Agak Acuil, the former minister of finance, warned the public against being duped by impersonators using his name to ask for support on social media.