Liberia: Beware of Extortionists: Commerce Ministry Cautions Public 

Monrovia – The Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MOCI) has observed an alarming increase in fraudulent social media posts, impersonation, and the creation of fake accounts disseminating false and misleading information that do not represent or come from the Ministry.

The Ministry, in a statement through its communications director Jacob Parley, said its attention is drawn to these social media reports, insinuating that it is soliciting applications from the public for grants and other loan programs.

The Ministry also clarify that at no time did the Commerce & Industry Minister, Hon. Amin Modad accuse the Unity Party-led Government of formulating an agreement concerning how Liberia trades and exports raw materials without reference to the Ministry.

“Taking into account that these insinuations have the propensity to cause reputational damage for the Ministry, it is necessary to unconditionally state that such social media reports are false and misleading. Besides, the links being used to share such deception are fake and that elements sharing them   have no connection with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, as claimed,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry further urges the public to realize that while the birth of social media has been hailed as a great achievement in the information age considering its fast, effective and less costly effect on getting information across the global community, some dishonest elements have equally taken advantage of its existence for purposes that are criminal in nature.

“We therefore see it quite befitting to once more call on the public to beware of these unscrupulous elements whose inordinate desire is to extort money from people under dubious circumstances.” 

Official Communication Channels

To ensure that the public receives accurate information, the ministry reiterate that the official sources for information, updates, and announcements from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are the head Office – located in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, in Congo Town, Monrovia.

Official Website: www.moci.gov.lr, official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mociliberia 

Designated Spokesperson: Any information disseminated by the designated spokesperson of the Ministry.

“We urge the public to rely solely on our official channels for accurate and verified information. The Ministry warns against fake publications and false information disseminated in our name.” We strongly advise everyone to verify the authenticity of any information by contacting the Ministry directly through our official communication channels. Anyone caught engaging in these fraudulent activities will be held accountable through law enforcement.”

Ministry of Commerce & Industry Introduces Hotlines

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) has introduced several hotlines as part of constructive efforts geared toward effective engagement with the public, particularly the business community.

The newly introduced hotlines will be used by three of the Ministry’s key units; namely the Customer Service Center, Inspectorate Division and Consumer Education and Protection Unit. 

They will also be used to boost outreach activities of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry through timely response to enquiries arising from the public about specific issues, etc.

The hotlines are Consumer Education & Protection Unit: 0887-500-503/07755500-008

Customer Service Center: 0887500-501/0775500-006

Inspectorate Division: 0887500-502/0775500-007

The Ministry is therefore calling on the public, mainly the business community to make use of the hotlines in order to obtain requisite information about its activities and to equally report any act that may appear fraudulent in nature.