Fact-check: This recruitment exercise is not from NRA South Sudan

/in , , , , , ,

These scams use harmful and phishing URLs to steal valuable information from people. We tell people to be careful when responding to these social media posts and to check the truth of any claims before acting on them.

Writer: Jibi Moses

On 16th June 2023, a post on Facebook claimed that an application was ongoing for a recruitment exercise by the National Revenue Authority, also known as the NRA in South Sudan, but this is false.

The claim has also been shared with a link in WhatsApp groups and private chats by unsuspecting individuals.

“Application is ongoing… hurry now!” partly reads a post on the little-known Info Data Facebook page. This post attracted over 120 reactions, 46 comments and 18 shares.

Screenshot of the Facebook post by Info Data. 

On clicking the link titled “APPLICATION FORM PORTAL,”  one is directed to a platform which claims to be for NRA, with classified jobs and the number of required applications. 

Screenshot of the first page of the link.

Opening the link on a protected gadget warns you not to continue the connection or risk giving your details. Strong anti-virus and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play a crucial role in protecting us while online.

The link later on demands one to give his name and phone number to get the job. However, after this stage, one is asked to share with at least 15 individuals or five WhatsApp groups. This process lets the malicious link spread so fast as unsuspecting persons think this is the best option to get the job. Unfortunately, at this stage, people’s details are extracted, or this is where we give out our details to scammers.

Further screening on Virustotal, two security vendors flagged the URL as a phishing link and some others as Malicious links.

A malicious URL is a link created with the purpose of promoting scams, attacks, and frauds. When clicked on, malicious URLs can download ransomware, lead to phishing emails, or cause other cybercrime.

Graphically the link is being hosted in the United States of America.

Scammers don’t relax. This year alone, two different scams about jobs from the National Revenue Authority (NRA) on social media have been investigated by 211 Check, as seen here and here. 

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the advert claiming to be from National Revenue Authority South Sudan is false. These are scams embedded with Malicious and Phishing links intended to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.

Fact-check: MTN not giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan

/in , , , , , ,

The circulating WhatsApp message claiming that MTN is giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan is fake and being used by scammers.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

An advert making rounds on social media with MTN pictures claiming to give 10 GB of internet bundles to its old users who have at least one year above is false.

“MTN OLD SIM REWARD. Today we decided to reward all our old customers by giving them 10GB of Free Data,” the WhatsApp message reads in part.

The screenshot of the advert was shared in one of the social media groups.

Screenshot of the malicious webpage

The link has been shared widely with forty-two thousand shares, fifty-three thousand comments, and over 210 thousand reactions. This makes it suspicious. 

What truth does this hold? Is MTN giving 10 GB of free data?

211 Check ran a link scan using Virustotal, an online tool that helps internet users detect malicious links. Three security vendors flagged the URL as malicious. Meanwhile, one flagged it as suspicious. 

Screenshots of the virus total scan results.

MTN South Sudan, through its Facebook, also published a disclaimer with the heading FAKE PROMOTION ALERT and warned the public to stay woke. Previously a similar advert made rounds on social media from MTN Uganda, and 211 Check fact-checked it here.

Screenshot of the MTN South Sudan alert.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim as an advert purporting that MTN South Sudan is offering 10 GB of free data to old customers who have used their sim cards for more than a year false. These scams are embedded with malicious and suspicious links to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.