{
  "id": 16567860,
  "title": "ANC issues urgent warning over fake ‘free R300’ election scam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/26/anc-issues-urgent-warning-over-fake-free-r300-election-scam",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-26T06:49:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/anc-issues-urgent-warning-fake-free-r300-election-scam/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African National Congress (ANC) has issued an urgent warning about a fraudulent \"instant free R300\" election offer that is part of its 2026 election campaign. The party has distanced itself from the scam, stating that it is fake and has not authorized or launched any such giveaway during its election campaign. ANC National spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu cautioned the public not to click the accompanying link, respond to the message, or share it with others. Bhengu emphasized that anyone who has clicked the link, submitted personal information, or disclosed banking details should contact their bank immediately and monitor their accounts closely. The ANC condemned the exploitation of its name and people through false promises, warning that the scam could lead to financial loss, identity theft, and misuse of personal information. The party advised members of the public to verify information through official ANC communication platforms before believing or sharing it, and to report fraudulent messages, fake accounts, and suspicious links to relevant platforms and law-enforcement authorities.",
  "summary": "The ANC condemned what it called the 'abuse of its name'.",
  "key_points": [
    "ANC warns against fake 'free R300' election scam.",
    "Party distances itself from fraudulent giveaway.",
    "Public instructed not to click, respond, or share."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The exploitation of political branding through fraudulent digital offers forces major parties to become active defenders of their supporters' personal data and financial security during election cycles.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}