As the new school year approaches in Burkina Faso, the Brigade centrale de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (BCLCC) is cautioning parents against online scams involving the sale of school supplies. The BCLCC reports that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the high demand for school kits to offer fake products on social media platforms. These scammers create fake Facebook pages or accounts, advertising school bags, notebooks, and other supplies at significantly lower prices than those found in local markets.
The scammers use various tactics to gain the trust of their victims, including posting photos and videos of fake school kits, fake customer testimonials, and screenshots of supposed deliveries or money transfers. Once a parent places an order, the scammers typically demand an upfront payment or full payment via mobile money services, promising quick delivery. However, after receiving the payment, the scammers become unresponsive, leaving the parents with no product.
The BCLCC advises parents and internet users to exercise caution when purchasing school supplies online. They recommend being wary of unusually low prices and verifying the identity and reliability of the seller before making a payment. Additionally, the BCLCC suggests not relying solely on photos, videos, or testimonials on social media and avoiding advance payments to unknown sellers.
To minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams, the BCLCC recommends prioritizing recognized commercial platforms and opting for payment upon delivery or in-person purchases. The brigade also emphasizes that exceptionally attractive offers may be indicative of an attempted scam. Parents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the BCLCC.
The BCLCC can be contacted at its headquarters in Koulouba, by phone at 25 39 58 42, by email at [email protected], or through the Alerte-BCLCC platform. By taking these precautions, parents can help protect themselves and their children from online scams during the back-to-school season.
According to Annick HIEN, reporting for Mousso News, the BCLCC is committed to combating cybercrime and protecting the public from online threats. The brigade's efforts aim to raise awareness about the risks associated with online transactions and promote safe practices when shopping online.
As the school year begins in Burkina Faso, the BCLCC's warning serves as a timely reminder for parents to be vigilant when purchasing school supplies online. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, parents can help ensure a safe and successful start to the new school year.
Key points
- The BCLCC warns parents to be cautious of online scams selling school kits at unusually low prices.
- The brigade advises verifying the identity and reliability of sellers before making online payments.
- Parents can report suspicious activity to the BCLCC through various channels, including phone, email, and an online platform.
