The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has warned the public of an ongoing scam in which an unidentified individual is impersonating Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United States, David D. Hamadziripi, in a bid to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Philisiwe Chidawanyika, said the scammer has already targeted several people, including high-profile individuals in Zimbabwe, by falsely claiming to be Ambassador Hamadziripi and alleging to be in distress.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade advises of an ongoing scam in which an unidentified individual is impersonating Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Mr David D. Hamadziripi, to extort money from unsuspecting victims,” said Chidawanyika.
She said the impostor has been approaching victims under the pretext of seeking urgent financial assistance.
“The individual has already targeted a number of people, including high profile persons in Zimbabwe, purporting to be in distress and requiring urgent financial assistance to address a myriad of family problems,” she said.
According to the Ministry, the scammer has been contacting victims via WhatsApp using a South African-registered mobile number.
“He or she has been using the mobile number +27 67 213 3253 to contact victims through WhatsApp,” Chidawanyika said.
The Ministry moved to dispel any confusion about the Ambassador’s whereabouts, stressing that the claims being made by the scammer are false.
“The public is advised to take note that Ambassador Hamadziripi is no longer based in South Africa, and has ceased to use telephone numbers with the +27 country code,” said the Spokesperson.
She added that the Government had verified the Ambassador’s status and safety.
“The Ministry confirms that the Ambassador is well and safe at his new duty station,” Chidawanyika said.
The Ministry urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging through digital platforms, particularly when approached for money in the name of Government officials or diplomats.
“The public is urged to be vigilant when engaging through social media,” she said.
The Ministry’s Spokesperson encouraged people to verify any communication purported to be coming from the Ministry or Zimbabwe’s embassies abroad through official channels.
“Any communication concerning the Ministry and its Embassies abroad should be verified through the Directorate for Public Diplomacy, Communication and Advocacy,” she stated.
The Ministry will continue to engage relevant authorities as it moves to protect the public from fraudulent activities carried out in the name of Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions.
