"Free Gas Cylinders From Total Uganda" is a Scam

Suzy Woltmann

News

18th August 2020

"Free Gas Cylinders From Total Uganda" is a Scam

Total Gas has posted a warning about the scam (Getty Images).

The Claim

Total Uganda is giving away free gas cylinders.

News posted on

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Panther Ivan

Emerging story

In mid-August 2020, a Facebook page called “Free Gas Cylinders From Total Uganda” said that they “have come up with a program of giving out free gas cylinders to at least 200 homesteads in each ward across the country. Booking is done through our official website.”

Facebook users began reposting the claim, questioning whether they would receive their gas cylinders.

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar’s investigation found that the offer is a scam. Clicking on the link provided by the Free Gas Cylinders From Total Uganda Facebook page leads to a WordPress blog with a different URL than the official Total Uganda website. Further, the site asks visitors to book the “free” gas cylinders by sending between 7000-8000 Ugandan shillings.

Anything that offers a service or good for free but then requires payment is likely a scam. Total Gas has since posted a warning about the scam. They said: “It has come to our attention that some dubious parties are acting as Total official authorized distributors and running a promotion to give out free gas cylinders. Please note that this is in no way a Total Uganda Limited initiative and should be ignored by all. Total Uganda is currently NOT running any Total Gas promotion and members of the public should be vigilant when dealing with anyone that is not directly acting on behalf of Total Uganda.”