Don’t Fall Victim to Pseudo Accounts on Facebook and Other Social Media Platforms – Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum Cautions the Public
In a digital age where social media has become an everyday tool for communication and information sharing, it’s important to stay vigilant against online scams and impersonation. The Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Willbert Petty Brentum, has raised serious concerns about a growing trend on Facebook and other social platforms — the creation of fake accounts using his name and photos, aimed at defrauding unsuspecting citizens.
In a recent announcement made through his official Facebook account, and further clarified by his media team, the public was sternly warned against interacting with any account that promises government appointments, recruitment into the security services, or any form of favor in exchange for money or personal information.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
It has come to our attention that some individuals have created fake Facebook accounts bearing the name and pictures of the Western North Regional Minister.
We wish to inform all that the Minister’s official Facebook account will not initiate direct messages (DMs) for recruitment or favors of any kind.
Anyone contacting you with such claims is a fraudster, so be vigilant.
Thank you
…Signed…”
Media Team
Unfortunately, these kinds of scams are becoming increasingly common. Fraudsters often clone or create profiles of high-profile individuals and use them to solicit money under false pretenses. In the case of Hon. Willbert Petty Brentum, several fake accounts are claiming to offer job opportunities and appointments in exchange for payment — a move clearly aimed at exploiting the hopes of job-seeking youth.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, here are a few tips:
1. Verify the Source: Always look for the blue verification badge or check whether the account is officially linked to known and reputable pages.
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Never give out your ID, contact details, or financial information to someone who contacted you randomly on social media.
3. Report Suspicious Accounts: Use Facebook’s report tools to flag fake profiles or suspicious messages.
4. Be Skeptical of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Government appointments and recruitment processes do not happen via Facebook inboxes.
Hon. Brentum’s proactive communication serves as a reminder that digital literacy and online awareness are now more crucial than ever. His message is clear — he does not conduct official government business through personal messages on Facebook, and anyone doing so in his name is a criminal.
Let’s share this message widely to protect ourselves and others from falling into the traps of cyber fraudsters. Social media should be a space for connection and learning — not a tool for deception.
