The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has warned the public about individuals allegedly misusing the ministry’s name, logo and programmes to lure people into fraudulent schemes.

The ministry said it had become aware of individuals falsely presenting themselves as its representatives or agents to solicit participation, personal information or payments from members of the public.

“The Ministry has become aware of individuals who may be falsely presenting themselves as representatives or agents of the Ministry and using the Ministry’s name to solicit participation, personal information or payments from members of the public,” it said in a statement issued yesterday.

The ministry urged the public to exercise caution and verify any communication, offer or programme purportedly originating from it before providing personal information, making payments or participating in any scheme.

It also advised members of the public to rely only on its official communication channels and authorised representatives for information about its programmes, schemes and services.

“The Ministry takes the misuse of its name seriously and will work with the relevant authorities to address any fraudulent activities identified,” the statement said.

The ministry encouraged anyone who receives suspicious communication or encounters activities claiming to be associated with it to report them through the ministry’s official communication channels or to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

The warning comes as fraudulent schemes increasingly use the names and identities of legitimate organisations to gain the trust of members of the public and obtain money or personal information.

The ministry reiterated that members of the public should verify the authenticity of any offer or communication before taking action.

The statement was issued by ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda.