Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has warned Malawians of unknown man claiming to be one of its officials duping business players through mobile money networks.

According to a warning statement seen by FaceofMalawi reporter, the unknown man is said to have been calling using 0992 759 667 and/or 0883 253 153.

“Please be warned that there is a conman who is claiming to be an MRA official. He is trying to blackmail businessmen. He has been calling some businessmen and tricking them into giving him money through mobile money networks. He is calling from 0992 759 667 and/or 0883 253 153,” reads in part the statement.

In the statement, MRA has urged Malawians to desist from remitting tax to individuals’ accounts or through mobile money networks.

“Don’t pay any money to anyone who says he is an MRA officer in order to assist you with your tax affairs. They are not MRA officers but fraudsters. We further advise all taxpayers and the business sector in particular, to be in touch with our nearest offices and resolve issues regarding overdue taxes as a way to avoid being conned,” adds the statement.

Last year Reverend Matiya Nkhoma of the Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa was duped MK100,000 by unknown man who was claiming to be a Special Assistant to President Peter Mutharika.

The unknown man cheated Rev. Matiya that Mutharika wanted to have an audience with him and Paramount Chief Mbelwa VI at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and he (fraudster) was tasked to arrange the meeting.

Later the fraudster, now posing as Chief Mbelwa asked unsuspecting Nkhoma through a phone call, to send him K100 000 through mobile money with which to buy fuel so that he should part of the arranged meeting with the President.