(JUBA) – The National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) has issued a public warning about fraudulent online adverts and messages falsely claiming to offer official grant opportunities on behalf of the government.
According to the Ministry, the scam adverts are circulating on social media and various websites, often presented under the name of a so called “Global Farmers Association.” The messages claim to be in partnership with the Ministry and attempt to lure unsuspecting citizens into applying for fake agricultural grants.
The Ministry clarified that it has no connection or partnership with the Global Farmers Association or any of the websites and email addresses currently being circulated in relation to the fraudulent schemes. Ministry officials stressed that the adverts are not official communications from MAFS.
All genuine announcements, funding opportunities and programmes are published exclusively through the Ministry’s official website, www.mafs.gov.ss, and its verified Facebook page “National Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS).” The Ministry urged the public to rely only on these channels for accurate information.
Authorities confirmed that similar scams have been reported in the past, with some individuals unfortunately already falling victim. Victims are often tricked into sharing personal data or paying upfront fees for non existent grants.
The Ministry advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with suspicious offers. It provided clear guidance on how to protect against scams:
Scam Prevention Guidance from MAFS
| Guidance | Action Required |
|---|---|
| Do not share personal information | Avoid sending details to unknown websites or individuals claiming to represent MAFS |
| Verify before responding | Always cross check through www.mafs.gov.ss or the Ministry’s official Facebook page |
| Report scams | Immediately inform the Ministry and relevant authorities if approached by suspected fraudsters |
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in all public communication in an online statement on its platforms. It said it will continue to provide updates and official notices only through its authorised platforms.
This warning comes at a time when South Sudan is working to expand agricultural investment and food security projects, making the sector an attractive target for fraudsters.
The Ministry emphasised that protecting farmers and agribusiness investors from fraudulent schemes is critical to building confidence in the country’s agricultural economy.
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