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

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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.

Fact-check: President Museveni was not in ICU

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Museveni dismissed in a media address that he was never admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to COVID-19-related complications.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel Duku

A viral tweet shared by Tanzania Abroad TV claiming that Uganda’s President Yoweri. K. Museveni was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after contracting the COVID-19 Virus is false.

“Rais @KagutaMuseveni amepelekwa ICU chini ya uangalizi wa karibu sana kuhusiana na afya yake kubadilika gafla, Mwanaye Kainerugaba Muhozi ameitisha kikao cha Familia,” the tweet reads in Swahili.

Posted on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 10:37 AM, the above tweet and a separate one posted at 5:34 PM the same day claiming that Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and the Presidential advisor on Special Operations, conducted a family meeting with relatives and high-level officers of the Ugandan army regarding the deteriorating health conditions of his father.  

Both tweets garnered 850,000 views, over 5,000 likes, 383 quotes, over 700 retweets and 97 retweets and more than 1000 likes, respectively, drawing mixed reactions from audiences.  

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A screenshot of the posts with the false viral claim

Origin of the Claims: 

On Wednesday, June 07, 2023, while on a State of National Address, President Museveni at Kololo Grounds in Kampala, President Museveni while delivering his speech, said, “I am a suspect of Corona as I am standing here. That’s why you see Mama Janet (First Lady) coming in a different car.”

He said he decided to consult his medical experts after experiencing a slight flu-like fever but not as bad as the usual flu, roughness in the throat, headache and drowsiness, something usual since he captured power in 1986. 

Since testing positive for COVID-19, 78-year-old Museveni has been updating the public regularly about his health status; however, on Monday and Tuesday last week, he had not issued any information regarding his health, prompting speculation that he might be in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  

Social Media Reaction to the Announcement:

According to Google translate from Swahili to English, Milton Emmy Akwam retweeted, saying the president is recovering well and Tanzania Abroad TV should apologise to East African Communities

“In the spirit of the East African Community, Please apologise and take this down. The President appears to be on the road to recovery,” but Ankunda Barbra Kakama refuted the allegations and stated that Museveni is steadily recovering.  

It’s a common tendency for many people to use social media for various reasons without verifying content, and it’s on this ground that Mr Jardon, in his retweet, advised Tanzanian Abroad TV to confirm content before publishing.

“Kabla ya kushiriki habari, kawaida ni wazo nzuri kuangalia ukweli mara mbili!” …….. “Before sharing information, it’s usually a good idea to double-check the facts!” reads his Google-translated tweet.  

Claims of European Foreign Policies on Africa and Others:

Recently, President signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into Law, which attracted massive condemnation from the Western world MΔCMUG∆ in his retweet, attributed Museveni contracting COVID-19 to the signing of the Bill. In contrast, Cae Jay believed COVID-19 is a manufactured virus by the European countries intended to kill African leaders who go against the interest of the West. 

Both Sayyidi II and Vidzok said President Museveni made the mistake of signing the Anti-Gay law. Citing leaders like Gaddafi of Libya and Saddam of Iraq were killed because of the contriving policies of the Americans. 

This was not different from another tweep who believed the impact of signing the bill had a connection to the infection. “One man down. The war of homosexuality is to be fought scientifically and art,” reads his tweets. 

Change of leadership in Uganda: 

President Museveni has ruled Uganda for over 30 years since he came to Power in 1986. He is one of the longest-serving leaders in the continent. Many Ugandans, including others within the East African Region, believe he should step down before he dies, and they say this is the right time for Ugandans to experience a change in leadership. 

Too many opposition parties and citizens in Uganda see President Museveni as a dictator, particularly how, in the past, he has been cracking down on opposition leaders and their events, particularly in the last elections. Many believe there will be no peaceful power transfer even if he is ageing.

While both claims by Abroad Tazania TV and Nairobian Tea that President Museveni is admitted to ICU puts Ugandan Citizens in panic as the conditions of Museveni have deteriorated, Nickie, a tweep, is urging Ugandans to prepare as the time for a change of leadership has come, which is similar to Eugene Maritim‘s.

Evidence:  

After testing positive for COVID-19, President Museveni made jokes and said it is for the first time in more than 50 years that he is falling sick and the second time he is going on leave from office since he assumed powers at the State House and will go into isolation while observing quarantine and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will preside over the reading of the national budget on June 15, 2023, and perform other national duties. Still, barely a day, Primer Robinah Nabbanja also tested positive for COVID-19.

However, during the National budget presentation, the Speaker of the 11Th Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, during her opening remarks, condemned some Ugandans in what she described as “Insensitive comments” for wishing bad for Museveni.

Similarly, while appearing on Zoom from State Nakasero-Entebbe during budget reading, Museveni hit back at a section of Kenyans for preaching false information. He further noted that he is on his path to recovery and executing State duties, usually in isolation.

He said since contracting COVID-19, he had never been admitted to ICU, and so far, three tests have been carried out, and the results still show positive despite not showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Nation Media Group publication gazette Daily Monitor and Urban TV revealed this.  

Commenting on his absence from the Media, Museveni revealed he had been busy doing paperwork in his diary farm and has asked the public not to panic over his health status. He reaffirmed to the public should his health worsen, they will be informed, and there is no cause for alarm. 

However, he urged Kenyans from whom the news of his admission to the ICU emerged to pray for him. 

No, Uganda’s President Museveni was not in ICU. 

The claim made by Tanzania Abroad TV in a viral tweet that Uganda’s President Yoweri K. Museveni was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after contracting COVID-19 is false.

President Museveni and his Primer, Robinah Nabbanja, tested positive for COVID-19 on June 7 and 8, 2023, but none were admitted to intensive Care. Currently, the two leaders are in isolation and responding well to treatment. However, the false news created on social media was intended to cause panic among the local population within Uganda and the region.

No, COVID-19 was not sent as a punishment for ‘stubborn’ African leaders.

Many local populations thought COVID-19 was a punishment for stubborn African leaders like former President of Tanzania John Pombe Magufuile, who did not believe in COVID and did not listen to the West and subsequently died from Corona. Therefore by Museveni signing the Anti-Gay bill into law, they claimed that the West World also sent COVID-19 as a harsh punishment because he denied the rights of Gay people in Uganda, yet in a real sense COVID-19, foreign policies or internal administration has no connections.

While it is true that so many African leaders died of COVID-19, the related deaths have been associated with substantial changes in public health policy in cases where the response to the pandemic had initially been contested or minimal.

Did Muhoozi, President Museveni’s son, hold a family meeting?

The claims that Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Son of the President, held a meeting with the high command of the Army and his family is not valid but rather aimed at creating tensions between the army command and civilians. 

The claim’s background can be traced back to how Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been conducting himself on social media, parading himself as the next President of Uganda who will take over from his father or contest against him in the next general elections. 

However, according to the constitution of Uganda, Article 109 states that if the President dies, resigns or is removed from office under Article 109, The Vice President shall assume the President’s office until fresh elections are held, and a new President is sworn in. Article 109(4 and 5) respectively states that whenever the President cannot perform his functions of the President, The Vice President shall perform those duties until the President is again able to perform those functions. The Speaker shall perform those duties where both the President and the Vice President cannot perform those functions until a new President assumes office.  

We can conclude from the above constitutional provisions that President Museveni’s Son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, does not come closer to succeeding powers from his father should he die or resign from the presidency. Even in the military structure, Muhoozi Kainerugaba comes third and has minimum impact on decision-making about the governance systems of Uganda. 

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: Uganda Ministry of Health has not refused to Pay Medical Interns

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The claim that Uganda’s Ministry of Health refused to pay pre-medical interns is false, as the ministry has been battling to deploy and pay more than 1,500 medical interns for their internship after graduating.

Writer: Kei Emmanuel Duku

Over the last year, Uganda’s Ministry of Health has been engaged in a fierce battle of deploying more than 1,500 medical interns for their internship after graduating.  However, others who have been deployed complain about unpaid arrears, salary disparities and poor welfare, while fresh graduates still complain of delayed deployment by the Ministry. 

On May 15, the Uganda Parliament directed the Ministry of Finance to release the money required to facilitate the deployment of medical interns by the Ministry of Health. Still, since then, no action has been taken by the respective ministries, but instead, the Ministry of Finance has threatened to scrape off allowance to medical interns, which proposal was rejected by President Museveni. 

Ideally, the current Cohort of interns should have been deployed on April 3, but since then, no action has been taken.  

Origin of the Claim, “not pay and deploy Interns.”

The claim originated from the earlier communication Dr Atwiine had made during a Zoom meeting, that some parents and students have met them and agreed to shoulder the internship cost as the Ministry of Health awaits funds from the national treasury. However, the pronouncement by Dr Atwiine doesn’t go well with some of the pre-medical interns. 

A document doing the rounds on social media, majorly Twitter, claims that Dr Diana Atwiine, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said that her Ministry would not pay for medical interns during their internship.

“We are not going to pay for Interns; let those who can afford to carter for their medical internship pick application forms and choose hospitals they would work in…,” reads part of the claim. 

Dr Atwiine was further quoted in the claim that the medical professional is not meant for the children of the poor and had asked the poor children to abandon the profession. https://twitter.com/ainbyoo

Image
Screenshot of the claim doing the rounds

What have we found out?

Such claims are uncalled for by any leader who holds such a magnitude position in any institution. It is on these bases that the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, in a separate, WhatsApp conversation shared by this publication between the Minister and one of the Medical Intern, Dr Chris denied the claims and assured the particular student of government assurance’s allowing all students to do their internship.

“This is not the position of the government. I don’t believe that she said this. I request you just to remain patient as the internship issue gets sorted. You will all do an internship,” he said in a WhatsApp message seen by 211 Check.

But during her communication on the 06th via Zoom to some medical interns, Dr Atwiine directed those interested students to apply online, hinting that the delay was caused by a lack of finance from the Ministry, as loudly pronounced by her in the video below.  

Both Dr Atwiine and Dr Chris’s statements were backed up by a Press Release issued on the 7th of June by Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Senior Public Relations officer of the Ministry of Health, reechoing the outcome of the Zoom meeting and stated that upon applying and deployment, interns would be paid arrears once money is disbursed from the Ministry of Finance. 

In the letter, he also expressed his displeasure with some students who went rowdy during the meeting. He conned false information regarding the out of the meeting and some individuals at the Ministry of Health. “……. Furthermore, some of the Pre Interns have embarked on Online Campaign distorting information and sharing abusive information on social media against The Ministry of Health,” reads the Press Release. 

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However, Emmanuel noted that the delay in deploying the intern had affected the internship cycles since many students will graduate and compete for the available few internship positions. 

Medical interns are doctors, pharmacists, and nurses who have already graduated from medical school but need a one-year placement in the hospital to get permanent practising licenses from their professional councils. 

Conclusion:

211 Check concludes that the claim of the students was false and contradictory to the outcome of the meeting at which the Permanent Secretary explained what caused the delay in deploying the students and what the next course of action should be for students and parents who can afford to pay for their internships in the respective health facilities where they will be deployed.

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.

Explainer: Aflatoxins – What You Need to Know

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Aflatoxin is a dangerous toxin produced by fungi that grow on crops and can cause cancer, liver damage, and growth problems in humans and animals. It is a significant food safety issue in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

A media report by South Sudan’s Juba-based Eye Radio says the South Sudan Bureau of Standards has impounded forty containers of maize flour from Uganda at the Nimule border on claims that they are affected by Aflatoxin fungi according to preliminary laboratory tests.

“At least 40 containers of substandard maize flour were confiscated at the Nimule border,” said the South Sudan Bureau of Standards Chief Executive Officer, Mary Gordon.

‘’We found some substances in the food items, especially the maize flour from Uganda. It has not expired, but the chemical ( aflatoxin) acquired harms human consumption. Forty containers have been stopped from proceeding to Juba,’’ said the clearance Agents Association Chairperson, Daniel Deng

Courtesy image

211 Check takes a look at how this type of fungi affects food, and here is what we found out:

What is Aflatoxin?

Aflatoxins are a family of toxins produced by certain fungi found on crops such as maize (corn), peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts. The primary fungi that produce aflatoxins are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are abundant in warm and humid regions of the world. Aflatoxin-producing fungi can contaminate crops in the field, at harvest, and during storage.

People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed. Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated while handling and processing contaminated crops and feeds.

Image showing corn infected by aflatoxin

What are the common causes of aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is caused by certain strains of fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These fungi are commonly found in soil and can grow on crops such as peanuts, cottonseed, corn, and tree nuts, especially when stored in warm and humid conditions. The fungi produce aflatoxin as part of their natural metabolic processes, which can contaminate food and feed products. Factors that can increase the risk of aflatoxin contamination include poor storage conditions, improper handling and processing of crops, and insect damage to crops. Climate conditions such as drought or excessive rainfall can also contribute to higher levels of crop aflatoxin production.

What are the dangers of exposing people to aflatoxin?

Aflatoxin is a Potent Carcinogen that can cause liver damage, immune system suppression, and growth impairment in humans and animals. The health effects of aflatoxin exposure depend on the level and duration of exposure, as well as individual susceptibility. In acute high-level exposure cases, symptoms may include liver damage, vomiting, abdominal pain, and convulsions. Chronic exposure to low levels of aflatoxin over a prolonged period may increase the risk of developing liver cancer, particularly in populations with existing liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C infections. Aflatoxin exposure has also been linked to other types of cancer, including lung and colorectal cancer. Children and infants are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of aflatoxin, which can result in stunted growth, malnutrition, and impaired immune function.

Ways of preventing aflatoxin from contaminating food

Aflatoxin is a type of toxin produced by certain moulds, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. It can contaminate many crops, including grains, nuts, and seeds, and is a significant food safety concern worldwide.

There are several ways to prevent aflatoxin contamination in food:

  1. Proper storage: Aflatoxin-producing moulds thrive in warm, humid conditions. Therefore, storing food in excellent, dry places can help prevent the growth of these moulds.
  2. Good agricultural practices: Farmers can reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination by using good agricultural practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, and timely harvesting and storage of crops.
  3. Biological control: Several strains of non-toxic Aspergillus fungi can be used to compete with and displace the toxic strains that produce aflatoxin.
  4. Chemical control: Fungicides can be applied to crops to control the growth of aflatoxin-producing moulds.
  5. Screening and testing: Regular screening and testing of food products for the presence of aflatoxin can help identify contaminated batches before they enter the food supply chain.

It’s important to note that prevention is vital regarding aflatoxin, as there is no practical way to remove it once it has contaminated food. Therefore, taking proactive steps to prevent contamination is critical for protecting human health.

How can farmers reduce the risk of aflatoxin?

Farmers can take several steps to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination in their crops:

  1. Crop management: Proper crop management practices can help reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This includes planting resistant varieties, using proper irrigation techniques, and ensuring that crops are harvested at the correct time.
  2. Pest control: Pests such as insects and rodents can damage crops and create favourable conditions for the growth of aflatoxin-producing moulds. Farmers can minimise pest damage through integrated pest management practices, which may include cultural, biological, and chemical controls.
  3. Drying and storage: Aflatoxin-producing moulds thrive in warm, humid environments. Therefore, farmers should ensure that crops are dried and stored in excellent conditions. This can be achieved using drying and storage facilities that maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
  4. Regular monitoring: Farmers should regularly monitor their crops for signs of mould growth and other indicators of aflatoxin contamination. This can involve visual inspections and laboratory testing samples from different farm areas.
  5. Training and education: Farmers can benefit from training and educational programs that teach them about the risks of aflatoxin contamination and the best prevention practices. This can include information on crop management, pest control, and proper drying and storage techniques.

Farmers can help reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination in their crops by taking these steps, leading to safer and healthier food for consumers.

Treatment for aflatoxin infection

The treatment for aflatoxin exposure depends on the severity of the illness and the specific symptoms exhibited. Hospitalisation may be necessary in cases of acute poisoning to manage symptoms such as vomiting, dehydration, and convulsions. Supportive care may also be required, including intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement, and nutritional support.

However, there is no specific antidote for aflatoxin poisoning, and treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and preventing further exposure. In cases of chronic exposure, long-term monitoring and management of liver function may be necessary to reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. Prevention is the most effective way to reduce the risk of aflatoxin exposure, which includes measures such as proper storage and handling of food and feed products, regular testing for contamination, and strict regulatory controls.

Conclusion

It is essential to prevent or reduce aflatoxin contamination by implementing good agricultural practices, proper storage conditions, and regular monitoring of crops for aflatoxin levels. The Government has already started screening or examining food and non-food items imported into the country at the border.

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.

Fact-check: “Are you from South Sudan?” Job Scams

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These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

Writer: Jibi Moses

If you are a regular Facebook and Messenger user, you must have encountered multiple sponsored Facebook job advertisements on various pages. The pages which run a series of these ads claim there are jobs in the US or Canada for people from South Sudan.

These pages, among others, are; Exact Grant (here, here and here), Jobs Global Center (here) and Study for You (Here).  

The adverts run with different headings, such as “Hiring Caregivers in the USA | jobs as a night carer for the elderly” and “Looking for jobs that are right for you.”

These posts claim that the jobs include housekeeping, elderly caregiving, driving, supermarket attendants, construction and painting. The pages make further claims about how people will be paid per hour, ranging from 25 USD to 50 USD, depending on what one intends to apply for, and every opportunity doesn’t require experience. 

Screenshots of one of the adverts from Exact Grant.

Investigation:

These adverts are everywhere on Facebook and are concentrated on South Sudanese. And many people were commenting, showing interest in applying for these jobs, which raised concern, and 211Check ran an investigation. However, on opening the site, they immediately lead one to  Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz.

This also has several other sponsored adverts, including, among others, Americanmobile.com, TravelNursing.com, and Travel Nursing Jobs. These are legitimate Nurse staffing agencies with enough experience in doing their work according to the detailed information on their websites and the whois details, all located and registered in the United States of America. Here are their whois details respectively. (Here, here, here). These three companies were registered long ago, the earliest in 1997 and the latest in 2001.

However, on scanning the link Home-care-jobs-usa-xyz using Virustotal, 211 Check found that it has a suspicious, as detected by Forcepoint Threatseeker.

As it operates, Forcepoint ThreatSeeker Intelligence: Monitors popular websites to see if they’ve been compromised or hijacked. Follows breaking news, trending topics and viral social media to identify additional content to assess.

A browser hijacker is a malware program that modifies web browser settings without the user’s permission and redirects the user to websites the user had not intended to visit. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects the browser to other, usually malicious, websites.

Cybercriminals create malicious websites to steal data and plant malware such as ransomware. These websites often masquerade as legitimate ones and use phishing emails to lure visitors

Screenshot of the virus total results.

Conclusion 

The adverts running through different platforms claiming to offer jobs to South Sudanese are mainly false; these ads contain malware intentionally created to divert users to websites they don’t intend to use. These sites are malicious, masquerading as genuine ones, but they steal people’s information. 

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: Facebook post allegedly from the Ministry of Agriculture is a hoax

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Long-running hoax busted: Facebook page falsely claims South Sudan’s Agriculture Ministry is collaborating with international organisations to boost agricultural production.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

A claim made by a Facebook page named “Ministry of Food and Agriculture South Sudan,” which purports that the Ministry of Agriculture, in conjunction with various international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Food Program (WFP) are supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and business development enterprises to help improve agricultural production and fight unemployment in South Sudan is a hoax.

Screenshot of the Facebook post

The post directs interested applicants to apply through a shortened URL link https://shorturl.at/gKO59. However, 211 Check can confirm that this claim is false and misleading after conducting thorough research and investigations. 

The Facebook page “Ministry of Food and Agriculture South Sudan” is not an official page of the South Sudanese government. Instead, It is a newly created account previously named “South Sudan Food and Agriculture Foundation.” This raises questions about the claim’s authenticity and authority to make such statements.

Screenshot of the page’s transparency section

The application link in the claim does not lead to the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in South Sudan https://mafs.gov.ss/. Instead, it redirects users to a Google-designed document form, which is suspicious and raises concerns about data privacy and security.

Screenshot of the Google Form’s first page

There is no evidence to support the claim that the Ministry of Agriculture in South Sudan is working with the IMF, World Bank, IFAD, and WFP to support farmers, agribusinesses, and business development enterprises. These organizations have not released official statements or information confirming their involvement in such an initiative.

The claim is a long-running hoax that keeps resurfacing on Facebook. It has been doing the rounds for about two years since at least 2021, and 211 Check debunked here and here. All the previous pages have been unpublished, but new ones are created to share the same false information.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds that the claim made by the Facebook page “Ministry of Food and Agriculture South Sudan” is false and misleading. 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.

Blog: What is Catfishing, and how can we avoid it?

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Thanks to smartphones, pretending to be somebody online is effortless. All it takes is a couple of photos, a different user name, and voila — you’re in business. But it takes extraordinary planning and manipulation to be a successful catfish. Finding photos for profile and feed images creates new email addresses for fake Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Catfishing is a growing problem online, with more and more people falling victim to scams involving false identities. According to recent statistics, 41% of U.S. online adults said they had been catfished at some point – an increase of 33% since 2018. In Britain alone, over 200,000 people may have been catfished on dating apps in 2019, while romance fraud grew by 50% between 2018 and 2019 in Australia.

In North America, 29% of all catfishing incidents occur worldwide. In comparison, women are 63.2 % more likely to be targeted than men, according to one survey, which found that 45 per cent of men and 43 per cent of women reported being approached by someone with false online identities. A study by Eharmony revealed that 50 % of participants encountered fake profiles when using dating websites or apps. In comparison, another website reported almost 80 % of users were involved in conversations with scammers at some point.

Romance scams cost consumers 201 million dollars last year, only within the United States. In contrast, the average loss per person was 11,145 pounds for UK victims and 24,438 Canadian Dollars for Canada Victims, respectively. The FBI also recorded 20 thousand complaints related to Romance Scams, including Catfishing Scams reaching a record high in 2020, where 85 per cent of cases involved False Photographs used in Fake Profiles & the 25-34 age group most likely get targeted, accounting for 24 per cent out of overall victims list. Finally, 35% of Online Dating Users faced similar scamming attempts, and 61% of US daters encountered the same issue during the pandemic this year.

What is Catfishing?

Catfishing creates a false identity and interacts with someone for a specific purpose, usually to “lure” them into a relationship. This can include mild flirting to years-long partnerships. The catch? These people have never and will never meet in real life, although they can spend an hour a day communicating with someone.

Thanks to smartphones, pretending to be somebody online is effortless. All it takes is a couple of photos, a different user name, and voila — you’re in business. But it takes extraordinary planning and manipulation to be a successful catfish. Finding photos for both profile and feed images, creating new email addresses for fake Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat accounts — the lengths people will go to to keep up the charade are mind-boggling. They must also stay “in character” when messaging so they don’t slip up. In extreme cases, catfishing can also lead to severe harm and even death, as in the recent case of a family in California in 2022.

How Catfishing Works

You may wonder why a person would believe a catfish and continue an internet-only relationship. For catfishing to work, the victim must also want to believe that the catfish is real — whether because of loneliness, desire, friendship, or more.

This isn’t to say that the victim is at fault. It’s just that the catfish knowingly uses flattery and emotional manipulation to kickstart a connection and then nurtures it steadily. And because catfish isn’t who they say they are, they’ll constantly come up with excuses for not meeting in real life or via video chat. If they did, they would instantly give up their real identity. Common excuses include:

  • “My phone is broken.”
  • “I’m shy.”
  • “My mom’s home.”
  • “The internet’s acting wonky.”
  • “ Am broke”.

Of course, any of these reasons could be valid for a real-life friend, but when they happen every time communication is attempted, it’s a sign that something may be wrong. 

Why People Catfish

There are many different reasons why a person would pursue a fake relationship, ranging from boredom to harmful ulterior motives.

Low self-esteem: Some individuals may lack the confidence to interact with people as their real selves. They can live out their romantic fantasies by creating more attractive versions of themselves with fake photos.

Jokes: Sadly, catfishing can happen just because a person is bored and wants attention. It may also be a very targeted form of cyberbullying among kids, especially as a way to pick on less social teens and tweens.

Revenge: Former romantic partners may turn to catfishing to get back at their ex. Here, the catfish gets satisfaction knowing that their ex is emotionally invested in a fake relationship, which will inevitably fail or be revealed.

Fraud: Some catfish will start relationships for the sole purpose of getting money out of somebody, whether through fabricated sob stories, extortion, or other deceptive means.

Grooming: When an adult catfishes a child for eventual abuse, it’s called grooming. It’s a crime whether the predator pretends to be a child or not, however. 

How Kids Are Especially Vulnerable To Catfishing

Kids don’t always assume the worst of people, especially when someone is being nice to them online. For victims of bullying-type catfish, there’s often a genuine desire to fit in or be loved. A shy teen or tween who thinks they’re being messaged by the most popular kid in school may want nothing more than for that to be true. Their critical thinking skills and scepticism overlook warning signs and missing information in the hopes that it may happen, just like in the movies. Sadly, it’s often just mean-spirited classmates preying on their vulnerability. 

As for adults who pretend to be kids, it’s manipulation and abuse, plain and simple. Predators are known to target lonely kids or children from less stable households. They may pretend to be a kid at first or simply lie about their age. The adult slowly grooms their victim by paying them compliments, listening to them, or buying them gifts. This may pave the way for an eventual in-person assault. Though it doesn’t have to — a child and a predator never have to meet for abuse to occur.

Catfishing Warning Signs to Look Out For

Not sharing personal info.

Creating all aspects of a fake person’s life from scratch takes a lot of work, so, unsurprisingly, a catfish may not have thought of everything. Noticeable gaps could include details about their family, what classes they’re taking (if a kid), or even what part of a city they live in.

Only text chats

As we mentioned, catfish can never expose their real identity, meaning that real-time video chatting or meeting up in person is definitely off the table. To compensate for this, they’ll pour lots of energy into text messaging and DMing.

Few candid photos

A catfish usually has to have at least a few photos of the person they’re pretending to be. But recent, updated photos — like a selfie with the giraffes if you said you were going to the zoo that day — aren’t an option for a catfish.

Asking for or giving you things

For the catfish looking to take advantage of people for monetary gain, they’ll begin by asking for small favours or gifts. It may progress to online gift cards, Venmo requests, and more. The same may also be true in reverse: a catfish may shower a victim with presents to win them over.

A sparse social media account

Having a believable feed on Facebook or Instagram is a little like your credit history — the further back it goes, the better it is. This is because hoping creates a brand-new persona online. They start from scratch. They’ll get around this by often putting “new account” in their profile to explain their lack of posts. 

No Snapchat

For kids, one substantial red flag does not have a Snapchat account. This is because Snapchat messaging consists almost entirely of spur-of-the-moment photos and videos. Not having one means you’re probably unable to send up-to-date pics of yourself, which catfishes definitely can’t do.

Lack of online friends

Getting people to follow a fake profile can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. However, having a group of friends to comment, like, and tag you frequently on these apps is complicated. A noticeable lack of consistent peer interaction (especially for young people) is a big red flag. However, remember that a catfish could have fake, extra “friend” accounts they use to make their posts more realistic.

Talking to Your Child about Online Strangers

Often, seeing is believing — especially for kids if you ask them the question, “What is catfishing?” Our team created a video to show how easy it is for an adult to create a fake social media account and use it to start conversations with kids. Children may think they’re invincible when it comes to knowing who their friends are online, but predators can be skilled at tricking people. 

Ensure you have open and ongoing conversations about online strangers and that your kids feel comfortable telling you who they talk to online. Suppose you’re worried about catfishing and need a digital safety net. In that case, Bark helps parents protect their kids from dangers like these. Alerts are sent when conversations indicate a significant age gap or potentially abusive behaviour, so you can help keep them safe online and in real life. 

Below are ways to protect yourself and your personal information from potential catfish.

 1. Do a background check.

You can conduct a name search or an online background check with the help of services like Information.com and Instant Checkmate. This can help reveal an individual’s social media profiles, news articles in which they could be mentioned, or other digital content containing their name. After the initial search, you can confirm further personal details like their workplace, where they come from, and their friends etc., to make sure that who they claim matches what the internet says about them.

2. Know the signs of being catfished

If the catfish’s description is thorough and detailed, it may be difficult to tell when you’re being caught. Since the catfish’s profile is only created to be sick, people may not have a lot of followers or friends. A catfish may never want to voice or video call, avoid in-person meet-ups, and even ask for money. These are all signs that you are being catfished and that you should put up your guard.

3. Never share your personal information.

Oversharing personal information with strangers can be dangerous. If someone you’ve just met online begins asking for your data, such as an address, additional contact information, or account details or tries to push you to tell them about your life or work, they could be catfishing you.

If they ask you for a password on the pretext of an emergency, that’s a preeminent warning sign that something is up. Asking for personal data is another big red flag because that behaviour isn’t normal and should cause alarm. 

4. Be suspicious of those you don’t know.

Be careful when you receive friend requests, correspondence, or message requests from people you need to become more familiar with. Treat online conversations the same as real-life ones. While it’s okay to interact with new people and make more friends, you should be cautious and look out for catfishing signs discussed above.

5. Ask questions that require specific knowledge.

If you suspect that someone is catfishing, ask them questions that only people with their reported background would know. You can ask about malls and restaurants from where they claim to come from or something particular about what they do. Be wary of them if they’re hesitant, or try to avoid your questions.

6. Use reverse image search to identify fake profile photos.

Social media is full of fake images and profiles. If you’re suspicious of the person you’re chatting with online, consider using a reverse image search to identify fake images. This tool also allows you to confirm a photo’s authenticity by looking at similar images and the original version of the photo.

7. Try to get them into a video call.

One of the fastest ways to detect if somebody is catfishing you is to ask them for a quick video to avoid in-person meet-ups and ‘, avoid in-person meet-ups, and enter online meetings, says Caleb Riutta, Co-Founder of DUSK Digital.


Endnote

Falling into a catfishing trap can lead to financial losses, heartbreak, and misuse of peer interaction (especially for young peer interaction (especially for young people), an arch of your precious information or money.

Fact-check: Digitel South Sudan warns against fake 30GB data reward offer circulating on WhatsApp

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A fraudulent WhatsApp message claiming to offer a free 30GB data reward from Digitel South Sudan is circulating on social media, which has been debunked by the company as misleading and flagged as malicious.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A WhatsApp message claiming to be from Digitel, a telecommunication company, purporting to give out free gigabytes as a reward, is false. The advert, which is hyperlinked, promises the customer free 30 Gigabytes. 

However, this claim has been debunked by Digitel South Sudan via their official Facebook page. They have formally rejected the misleading advertisements circulating through WhatsApp and have started investigating the matter.

“DIGITEL SIM REWARD. Today we have decided to reward all our old customers by giving them a 30GB free data reward,” the false WhatsApp message reads in part.

Screenshot of the scam advert 

Users will be taken through a series of processes by clicking the hyperlink in the message, including providing their phone number and sharing the link with at least five WhatsApp groups or 15 individuals. Unfortunately, any phone number entered qualifies automatically, which is a red flag.

Malicious URLs are links created to promote scams, attacks, and frauds. When clicked on, they can download ransomware, lead to phishing or spear phishing emails, or cause other cybercrime.

Digitel South Sudan, in a statement on their official Facebook page seen by 211 Check, dismissed the claim that it was offering a 30GB reward as fake and was investigating the matter. 

“Digitel formally rejects and has begun investigation on the misleading advertisements circulating via unofficial WhatsApp and Facebook pages”, partly reads the captions.

A screenshot was used on Digitel South Sudan’s Facebook page.

Running the URL through Virustotal, a popular online service that allows users to scan URLs, files, and other content for potential viruses, malware, and other types of malicious content, flagged the link as malicious, website or webpage containing harmful content, such as malware, viruses, or phishing scams.

Screenshot of the VirusTotal scan

Additionally, a whois search returns different results from both URLs, with the malicious one bit.ly registered in 2008 by Libyan Spider Network (int) in New York.

A Whois search reveals that the malicious URL was registered in 2023, while the genuine Digitel South Sudan website, digitelss.com, was registered in 2020 by Techno Bros from Melbourne.

A whois screenshot of the malicious URL link

A Whois screenshot of the Digitel website 

Conclusion:

The viral WhatsApp message promising a 30GB data reward from Digitel South Sudan is false, and the accompanying hyperlink is malicious.

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: No, foam found on leaves or plants is not snake saliva

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Foam found on leaves or plants is not snake saliva but Cuckoo Spit or Froghopper Spit created by larvae of the froghopper insect. Claims that foam on plants is snake saliva are a myth.

Writer: Jibi Moses

A common myth is that foam found on leaves or plants is snake saliva. This claim, popular and believed by many, recently surfaced in a WhatsApp group chat. The member wanted to know whether the foam on trees or plants was snake spit.

However, this claim is not supported by scientific evidence and is false. While it is true that snakes do produce saliva, it does not typically appear in the form of foam and is not commonly found on plants or leaves.

A screenshot of the WhatsApp message

211 Check investigated and found that young Froghoppers caused the foam. Scientific name: Cercopoidea, Order: Hemiptera, Kingdom: Animalia, Suborder: Auchenorrhyncha, Superfamily: Cercopoidea; Leach, 1815.

The foam that can sometimes be found on leaves or plants is known as Cuckoo Spit or Froghopper Spit, and the larvae of the froghopper insect create it. The larvae produce the foam by excreting a liquid waste product which they mix with air by rapidly flicking their bodies back and forth, creating the characteristic foam.

The froghoppers, or the superfamily Cercopoidea. These families are best known for the nymphal stage, which produces a cover of foamed-up plant sap visually resembling saliva; the nymphs are therefore commonly known as spittlebugs, and their foam is popularly known as Cuckoo spit, Frog spit, or snake spit. As these names are commonly associated with the foam,  neither Cuckoo, frogs, nor snakes produce them.

This characteristic spittle production is associated with the unusual trait of xylem feeding. Whereas most insects that feed on sap feed on the nutrient-rich fluid from the phloem, Cercopidae utilise the much more dilute sap flowing upward from the roots via the xylem. The large amount of excess water that must be excreted and the evolution of special breathing tubes allow the young spittlebug nymphs to grow in the relatively protective environment of the spittle. Usually, an animal shouldn’t be able to survive on a diet so low in nutrients. Still, the insects’ digestive system has two symbiotic bacteria that provide them with the essential amino acids.

The foam serves purposes such as hiding the nymph from the view of predators and parasites and insulating against heat and cold, thus providing thermal control and moisture control; without the foam, the insect would quickly dry up. The nymphs pierce plants and suck sap, causing very little damage; much of the filtered fluids go into producing the foam, which has an acrid taste, deterring predators. Further examples of how spittlebugs are seen in the links here, here, here and here  

Are spittlebugs dangerous?

The bugs and their byproducts are not harmful to humans, but consider wearing gardening gloves for this. You can crush the larvae with your fingers or drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Spraying spittlebugs with a garden hose washes the insects and their residue off your plants and can drown the eggs. The damage they cause is not very harmful to plants, but their shelters are a nuisance to get rid of. They can also infest turfgrasses, creating occasional browning. While they feed on plants, they don’t drain enough nutrition from the sap to harm them and pose no risk to humans.

Do snakes produce saliva?

Snakes do produce saliva. Venomous snakes have evolved one pair of salivary glands into poison glands which produce venom. The venom is made by organs that evolved from salivary glands. Ordinary saliva contains enzymes to help digest food as you chew it, and natural selection has favoured snakes that include ever more toxic enzymes in their saliva.

Conclusion:

The claim that the foam found on leaves or plants is snake spit is false; much as it is popularly known by it, the foam is produced by the nymph Cercopidae.  The insects use this foam for protection against too much heat and cold. It also protects them from external attacks. 

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: Claims of “smoking” shrines and misattributed image in South Sudan

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Claims that women use shisha to charm men in South Sudan are unproven, as the image accompanying them is an old image from Nigeria.

By 211 Check Desk

Recently, social media has been abuzz with unverified claims suggesting that women and men visit shrines to “smoke” individuals they are having affairs with to make them love them more in Juba, South Sudan. 

As part of this online discussion, an image of a woman smoking shisha is being shared and falsely attributed to Juba, South Sudan, to validate these claims. 

The image was posted on Facebook by a user and also on Twitter. The false claim attempts to validate the unproven belief that some individuals use supernatural means to manipulate their partners into loving them more. This practice has no scientific backing and should be treated with scepticism.

Screenshot of the picture as posted by a Facebook user.

However, through a thorough investigation and reverse image searches, it becomes evident that the image is originally from somewhere other than South Sudan and has been circulating online since at least June 2016.

The results showed that the same picture had been used previously, the earliest in June 2016. It was found that the image was taken in Nigeria and has been used in various contexts unrelated to the claimed practice of visiting shrines to charm individuals and had nothing to do with South Sudan.

Screenshots of the image as shared by the Nairaland Forum

Besides, many more online sites used the picture in Nigeria, and these can be found here 1,  2, 3, 4 and 5. One of the articles was published with this picture by GistMania, an online blog from Nigeria, in 2016, authored by Kacy Lee.

The image gained virality and has chances of believability in South Sudan because of recent unverified news about women smoking shisha to win over the love and loyalty of men. Given the comments on the post shared by the South Sudanese blogs, the citizens believe the picture and the story to be accurate.

The claim that women visit shrines to charm men into loving them more is based on anecdotal accounts and lacks credible evidence or verifiable sources. It is essential to approach such claims critically and examine them based on factual information and reliable research. In this case, using an unrelated image to validate the claim further doubts its authenticity.

The location where the image was initially taken is Nigeria. It is essential to note that the image’s origin has no direct connection to South Sudan or the alleged practices being discussed. Misattributing images or using unrelated visuals to support a claim only spread misinformation and confusion. The claims of women visiting shrines to influence the emotions of individuals they are involved with need more substantiation from reliable sources. Credible evidence and expert testimonies make ascertaining these allegations’ truthfulness easier. It is crucial to approach such claims with scepticism and demand verifiable evidence before accepting them as factual. When examining cultural practices, it is essential to avoid generalisations or stereotyping. Like any other country, South Sudan has diverse cultural traditions and beliefs. Making sweeping statements about the practices of an entire nation or gender group without adequate research can perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim that women visit shrines to charm men into loving them more lacks credible evidence. The image circulated to validate these claims is originally from Nigeria, not South Sudan, and has been in circulation since at least June 2016.

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.