Namibians targeted in cruise ship scam

Namibians are being targeted in one of the latest email scams that promise employment on Australian cruise liners. The scam lures victims with the promise of exorbitant salaries and it has recently been escalating in the country, according to the Australian Consulate in Windhoek. Honorary Consul Ed Humphrey told Namibian Sun that they have been aware of the scam for quite some time, but recently it has been increasing in Namibia. According to him they are receiving enquiries from the public on a daily basis with regard to this scam. It appears that the fraudulent emails originate from West Africa, not Australia. The Australian High Commission in Pretoria and the Australian Consulate in Windhoek are unable to verify employment offers from Australian companies. Humphrey explained that these "companies" approach people with false information and promises of jobs and ridiculous salaries on Australian cruise ships. According to Humphrey the victims are sent employment contracts; and they are told to apply for permits, maritime permits and visas through the purported company. The money is then transferred into a bank account in West Africa. "These unsolicited approaches hook people; everything is done in a very professional and sophisticated manner," said Humphrey. Job seekers are strongly advised to verify all job offers using publicly available contact details for the relevant companies. According to Humphrey the Namibian authorities and Interpol have been informed about the scam. He pointed out that the scam has no connection with Australia. "This is just the exploitation of the good name of Australia to defraud Namibians." The latest victim in Namibia has been defrauded of several thousand US dollars. Humphrey stressed that all visa applications must be made through the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT