By 
Scammers in the Free State are out preying on unsuspecting entrepreneurs who are applying for funding to get their businesses and dreams going. The vulnerable business community is cautioned of anyone asking for a fee.
The Spokesperson for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DESTEA) in the Free State Mr Mojalefa Mphapang says the department is urging the public and business community to be aware of scammers asking people to pay an application fee of R1500 in order for their online funding application to be considered.
“Please do not part with your hard earned money because DESTEA does not require any fee/money for the processing or submission of applications or requests for assistance. The department will soon announce the reopening of the online applications.
Furthermore, please note that the department will never request payments to process any application. This is unlawful and will never be a prerequisite to get your request for business support,” said Mphapang.
“The community is urged to report any individual masquerading as DESTEA official asking for payments to the nearest police station,” he concluded.
