The Bank of Namibia (BoN) has issued a warning to the public, highlighting a concerning rise in fraudulent investment scam activities.
These scams have been targeting and leveraging references to the Namibian government, its various ministries, offices, and agencies.
Perpetrators of these fraudulent investment schemes have been particularly focused on offering unsolicited financial assistance to fund Namibia's developmental initiatives.
They have also honed in on senior public figures, high-ranking government officials, politicians, and civil servants to promote their deceptive scams.
These scams involve elaborate claims of possessing substantial investment funds in the millions and billions of USD or Euros purportedly intended to finance Namibia's development and support mega construction projects. The perpetrators have gone as far as presenting forged copies of SWIFT money transfers and/or forged payment transactions to local commercial banks, along with purported payment instructions allegedly for the government's developmental initiatives.
The Bank of Namibia, after careful analysis and verification, has confirmed the non-existence of these purported investment transfers via SWIFT money transfers and/or foreign payment transactions.
It has been determined that the presented documentation is forged and designed to give the appearance of legitimacy to these deceitful transactions.
Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activity related to these scams. They are advised to recognise the distinctive features outlined by the Bank of Namibia and to verify information before engaging in any financial transactions related to purported investments. Furthermore, the Bank has emphasised that it does not facilitate transactions on behalf of private individuals, legal entities, or legal arrangements, except when acting on behalf of the government.
Governor !Gawaxab stressed Namibia's commitment to welcoming foreign direct investment while remaining resolute against fraudulent financial activities.
The Bank of Namibia remains dedicated to upholding the integrity and stability of the country's financial system and preventing its potential abuse through fraudulent means.