By Dawda Baldeh & Bintou Cham
Claim: Apply for Personal Loans only ID Required
Source: Facebook User HighRise Services
Verdict: FAKE/SCAM
On August 29, 2024, a Facebook user (HighRise Services) shared a post with the Voter ID of the leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, calling on people to apply for personal loans.
As of October 19, 2024, the post generated over 400 likes, and 32 comments and was shared four times. Some people facebook users have expressed interest in applying for the “loans” advertised by the fake account while others raised alerts. According to the post bearing the Voter ID of the GAP leader applicants interested in the loans are only required to upload their National Identity Cards.
“Only ID is required. No Credit Check Required, Proof of income isn’t required and could be completed in 2 minutes,” the post said.
Findings
A searched on the Gambia Action Party (GAP) leader Facebook page didn’t show any content inline with the claim. Batchilly has told FactCheck Gambia his is unaware of the use of a voter ID bearing his photo to lure social media users into a scam.
“I want to make it unequivocally clear that I do not know about this activity, and at no point have they contacted me regarding this matter. I firmly disassociate myself from any action or claim made by HightRise Services. Let everyone exercise caution and refrain from engaging with this blog,” he said.
A click on the first fake link (Apply loans in USA) led to a different website which also claimed to be directing people how to apply for the loans.
“Complete our easy-to-follow application process today and get access to your credit line: You may be able to borrow up to $500,000 or 90% CLTV, if approved, you’ll receive a Republic Bank HELOC Access Card which can be used as a credit card,” the website stated.
Mayor Bensouda
A similar post by Facebook User, Money Zone, what appears to be a copy of a voter’s card belonging to the Mayor of the Kanifing Municapility, Talib Ahmed Bensouda – calling for applications for personal loans. The post, less popular than that which used the GAP leaders card, has 53 likes and 26 comments.
Verdict
Based on our research and information gathered the posts bearing the Voter ID of the GAP leader and that of the Mayor of Kanifing calling on people to apply for personal loans are fake and a scam purposely targeting Facebook users to obtain valuable information from them.
