Fact-check: MTN not giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan

The circulating WhatsApp message claiming that MTN is giving out 10 GB of free data to its old users in South Sudan is fake and being used by scammers.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

An advert making rounds on social media with MTN pictures claiming to give 10 GB of internet bundles to its old users who have at least one year above is false.

“MTN OLD SIM REWARD. Today we decided to reward all our old customers by giving them 10GB of Free Data,” the WhatsApp message reads in part.

The link has been shared widely with forty-two thousand shares, fifty-three thousand comments, and over 210 thousand reactions. This makes it suspicious. 

What truth does this hold? Is MTN giving 10 GB of free data?

211 Check ran a link scan using Virustotal, an online tool that helps internet users detect malicious links. Three security vendors flagged the URL as malicious. Meanwhile, one flagged it as suspicious.

MTN South Sudan, through its Facebook, also published a disclaimer with the heading FAKE PROMOTION ALERT and warned the public to stay woke. Previously a similar advert made rounds on social media from MTN Uganda, and 211 Check fact-checked it here.

Conclusion:

211 Check finds the claim as an advert purporting that MTN South Sudan is offering 10 GB of free data to old customers who have used their sim cards for more than a year false. These scams are embedded with malicious and suspicious links to steal people’s helpful information. We advise the public to be cautious when interacting with such social media posts and verify the authenticity of any claims before acting on them.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It is crucial to fight against misinformation and disinformation in mainstream and alternative media by avoiding becoming a victim of fake news. To prevent the spread of false information, you must refrain from sharing content you are unsure about or unaware of its origin. Disinformation and misinformation can be incredibly dangerous because they can mislead people and cause harm. For instance, false information on health matters can lead to wrong decisions that can put people’s lives at risk. Therefore, it’s vital to fact-check information before sharing it to promote accurate and reliable information. Visit https://211check.org/ for more information on our fact-checking process, or send us a WhatsApp message at +211 917 298 255 if you want to present a claim. Our team will promptly respond to your request because we believe #FactsMatter.