In Zimbabwe, hundreds of people have fallen victim to a large-scale fraudulent scheme operating under the guise of the investment company InnBucks Investment. The perpetrators convinced citizens to invest money in a fictitious Bitcoin trading platform through Facebook and other online platforms, promising quick and guaranteed profits.
This is reported by Business • Media
How the Fraudulent Scheme Worked
The scammers used advertisements with enticing promises of high returns and investment security. Victims were encouraged to use the Ecocash service for money transfers and were assured that there were no hidden fees. Users were then coerced into registering and sending personal information via WhatsApp.
“Here’s an opportunity to make x3 on your investments with no hidden fees or withdrawal charges, 100% safe and secure. You can also access your trading account. Message us right now to get started,” read a message from the scammers.
InnBucks’ Response and Investigation
The real company, InnBucks Investment, officially denied any involvement in this scheme. A warning was published on the company’s page, where representatives of InnBucks emphasized that the firm is not engaged in any investment projects and does not conduct such operations. Clients are advised to verify the legitimacy of pages and not to share personal information through unofficial channels.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the scammers used the name Michelle Chiunda and a WhatsApp number registered without the owner’s knowledge. The woman stated that her personal data may have been used by the fraudsters.
Fake representatives of the platform claimed that trading was conducted on behalf of the investor, and profits could reach ten times the invested amount. At the same time, they suggested using Ecocash, Innbucks, or Mukuru for withdrawals, although none of these services confirm cooperation with the fake platform.
Information about the fraud has been forwarded to law enforcement agencies, and InnBucks is also making efforts to prevent further cases of deception. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and verify information about financial services. The exact amount of losses is currently unknown.