WestProp Holdings and CEO Ken Sharpe warn the public about fake social media accounts impersonating the company to solicit money. Stay vigilant.
HARARE – WestProp Holdings and its CEO, Mr. Ken Sharpe, have issued an urgent public warning following the emergence of multiple fraudulent social media accounts impersonating the prominent real estate developer to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. The company has initiated legal action and is urging the public to exercise extreme caution.
The Alert: A Warning Against Deception
The alert addresses a sophisticated scam where perpetrators are actively deceiving followers across platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, posing as Mr. Sharpe to request financial contributions under various false pretenses. Mr. Sharpe, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, is the founder of WestProp, the first real estate company listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange and known for its ambitious "Bringing Dubai to Zimbabwe" developments like Pomona City.
"Mr. Sharpe remains committed to transparency, ethical leadership, and safeguarding the trust of his followers and stakeholders," the company's statement read, emphasizing that neither he nor the company would ever solicit funds through such channels.
The Modus Operandi: How the Scam Works
Investigations have revealed a clear pattern of deception, with some activities traced to a specific individual in Nketa, Bulawayo. The public is advised to be aware of the following tactics:
The Impersonation
Scammers create fake profiles using Mr. Sharpe’s name and images, leveraging his public profile and philanthropic reputation to appear legitimate.
The Deception
They engage with followers and then request money for fictitious causes, investments, or personal emergencies, creating a false sense of urgency or opportunity.
The Perpetrator
At least one perpetrator has been identified as a man in Nketa, Bulawayo, using the NetOne mobile number 0719200225 to coordinate the fraud.
The Platforms
The primary platforms used for this scam are currently WhatsApp and Facebook, though the public should remain vigilant across all social media channels.
Official Response and Public Guidance
WestProp Holdings is taking decisive action and has provided clear guidance for the public to protect themselves and assist in stopping the fraud.
Legal Action Initiated
Lawyers have begun taking legal action. Perpetrators face serious consequences under Zimbabwean laws governing fraud, cyber impersonation, and identity theft.
Public Verification
The public is strongly urged to only engage with the verified social media accounts of Mr. Ken Sharpe and WestProp Holdings. Look for the official verification badges.
Immediate Reporting
If you encounter a suspicious account, report it immediately to the platform (Meta/WhatsApp) and to local law enforcement authorities.
Official Contact
To report suspicious activity directly, please contact the WestProp Communications Office. Do not engage with the fraudulent accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fraudulent accounts are impersonating WestProp CEO Ken Sharpe on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals under various false pretenses.
No. Mr. Ken Sharpe and WestProp Holdings will never use social media or unverified channels to request financial contributions or personal information from the public. Any such request is a scam.
Do not send any money or personal information. Immediately report the account to the respective platform (Meta/WhatsApp), block the contact, and inform the WestProp Communications Office so they can take further action.
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