Anglo American has noted an increase in online share trading scams circulating on various social media and digital platforms, bearing fictitious company brand identity and names of some of its executives to lure unsuspecting victims.
Scammers are taking advantage of unsuspecting people by promoting fake trading platforms and offering unrealistic returns on investments. Such platforms tend to be well designed Apps and websites that are extremely sophisticated.
However, no company will ever trade in shares directly with the public.in this way, says Nevashnee Naicker, executive head of external relations at Anglo American in South Africa. She calls on members of the public exercise caution when interacting with emails and on social media platforms.
“Scammers often use faces of prominent business leaders in fraudulent recruitment, procurement and share trading, resulting in many people falling victims. We’ve seen several fake videos on social media using artificial intelligence, and posts encouraging people to invest their hard-earned money.
“These posts then get shared by unsuspecting people on platforms such as WhatsApp, making them hard to trace and stop. Do not to respond to unsolicited offers through emails and social media advertisements with links. Anglo American will never ask anyone to invest in this way,” Naicker adds.
Online scams affect everyone. Anglo American is increasing its efforts to raise awareness about the risks and tactics used by cybercriminals to defraud individuals and organisations online.
“Your diligence in reporting suspicious activity and remaining cautious will help protect you from potential harm and financial loss,” Naicker says. “Remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Members of the public can also alert Anglo American of any potentially fraudulent activity associated with the company via corporateaffairs@angloamerican.com