SLPHA Warns Against Fake Social Media Account Targeting Job Seekers

The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) has issued a public warning against a fraudulent Facebook account operating under the name “Yankuba Askia Bio,” which is allegedly soliciting money from individuals in exchange for employment opportunities at Freetown Terminal Limited (FTL).

In a public notice released on 1 June 2026, the Authority described the account as fake and urged members of the public to exercise caution and avoid any engagement with individuals associated with it.

According to SLPHA, the fraudulent account has been falsely offering employment opportunities and requesting payments from unsuspecting job seekers, creating the impression that it is acting on behalf of the Authority or its leadership.

“The Facebook account operating under the name ‘Yankuba Askia Bio’ and soliciting money in exchange for employment opportunity with Freetown Terminal Limited is fake,” the Authority stated in its notice.

SLPHA emphasized that neither its Director General nor the institution requests or accepts money in exchange for recruitment, employment opportunities, contracts, or any official service.

The Authority advised the public not to make payments or disclose personal information to anyone claiming to represent SLPHA or FTL through the fraudulent account.

“Members of the public are advised not to engage with the account, make any payments, or provide personal information,” the notice further warned.

SLPHA also encouraged anyone who has been contacted by the account or has information regarding its activities to report it immediately to Facebook and notify the Authority through its official communication channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Authority stressed that all legitimate recruitment processes are conducted through established official procedures and not through personal social media accounts or financial requests.

The warning comes amid increasing concerns over online impersonation and fraudulent recruitment schemes targeting job seekers through social media platforms, with scammers exploiting the names of prominent institutions and public officials to deceive members of the public.

SLPHA urged citizens to remain vigilant and verify any employment-related information through the Authority’s official channels before taking action.