SMALL, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been warned against agencies soliciting payments to fast-track Covid-19 relief funding.
The Department of Small Business Development has distanced itself from this fraudulent activity, reminding SMMEs it does not charge any fees for services.
‘It is unfortunate that even during this world pandemic, South Africans are confronted with opportunistic fraudsters who take advantage of the socio-economic distress the country is challenged with.
‘Cyber criminals use emergency situations such as the national lockdown to steal money from victims, perform identity theft or pretend to be representatives of the department and its agencies by using fake emails to scam unsuspecting recipients.
‘We wish to state categorically that none of our employees and officials are to be paid either through emails, inboxes or direct messages for services rendered on behalf of the department.
‘Any SMME who receives such a request must immediately report the incident to our Covid-19 hotline 08 677 7867 or send an email to info@dsd.gov.za,’ the Department of Small Business said in a statement.
The department is working directly with its agencies, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency SOC Ltd (SEFA) and Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to provide support during this period.
The debt relief fund aims to assist small businesses in the country with existing debts and repayments.
This facility will also assist entities to acquire raw material, pay labour and operational costs.
Applicants must, however, demonstrate a direct link of the impact or potential impact of Covid-19 on the business operations to be eligible for assistance.
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