RBZ warns against fake social media scam impersonating Mushayavanhu

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has dismissed as false a social media post claiming that its Governor, Dr. John Mushayavanhu, is backing an initiative promising monthly earnings of US$6,500 for Zimbabweans who open bank accounts with an initial deposit of US$230.

In a statement, the central bank described the message as a scam, warning the public not to fall prey to fraudulent schemes circulating online.

According to the RBZ, the fake post uses an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated voice to impersonate Dr. Mushayavanhu, falsely depicting him as promoting a supposed "automatic balance growth" system during a fabricated interview with SABC News.

"The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe wishes to make it clear that this message is entirely false and malicious," the bank said. "Governor Dr. Mushayavanhu has not endorsed or participated in any such programme. The video and audio circulating online are digitally manipulated to mislead the public."

The RBZ said it has reported the fraudulent accounts behind the scam and urged citizens to be vigilant and to verify any claims involving financial institutions through official communication channels.

"Members of the public are advised to ignore and avoid engaging with such deceptive content, as it is designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals through get-rich-quick schemes," the statement added.

The bank reiterated that it only communicates official policy or initiatives through its verified platforms and mainstream media, not through unsolicited social media messages.