NSFAS warns prospective applicants against fake news
NSFAS said it is disturbed by the increased disinformation in recent weeks, where false information is spread deliberately to deceive prospective applicants.
THE National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has advised prospective applicants to be aware of fake websites and social media platforms.
According to the scheme, the fake sites advise applicants to apply for funding, share their personal information and/or unlock their NSFAS wallet accounts.
The warning follows a fake Circular Notice 22 circulating on social media platforms regarding the NSFAS allowance increase for the 2022 academic year.
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“NSFAS can confirm that the circular is fake and consists of false information,” said NSFAS spokesperson, Kagisho Mamabolo.
“We encourage our students to be vigilant. We identified all the bogus platforms that masquerade as NSFAS, and we have reported them to the relevant authorities for investigation,” NSFAS said.
Students, prospective applicants and the public are urged to report suspicious messages or calls from fraudsters posing as NSFAS officials, or any fraudulent activities, to the Vuvuzela Hotline on 0860 247 653.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
