The desperation of Super Advertis Company to rip off Sierra Leoneans was brought to a halt by Orange Sierra Leone Limited, which disassociated itself from any partnership with the rogue company saying it does not have any contractual dealings or in any way associated with the business/company.
Closely working with the Central Bank of Sierra Leone, Orange-SL realized that the rogue company, Super Advertis was using its agents to collect funds from their clients using the Orangemoney platform. These agents are not authorized to perform these types of transactions, and as such, when the company (Orange) gets alerts of these fraudulent transactions it immediately blocks the accounts of the said agents
Orange-SL, according to investigations, has reported the Central Bank and is awaiting the next steps.
It has been proven that from the account that is blocked, Orange-SL does not have any indication that the monies are related to the rogue company, Super Advertis, transactions specifically. The Mobile Company has just blocked the suspended agents’ accounts. “To date all the agents are unreachable,” sources say.
On 3rd January 2024, Orange Mobile Finance issued a public statement clarifying its position regarding recent unauthorized activities associated with Super Advertis. The company confirmed that it does not have any contractual relationship with Super Advertis and that there are no accounts under the name of Super Advertis frozen within the Orange Money platform.
The company reiterated that all Orange Money agents, dealers, and partners are contractually bound to operate within specific guidelines, and any deviation results in regulatory actions to protect the interests of customers. This is part of Orange Mobile Finance’s commitment to maintaining a secure and trustworthy environment for its users.
Customers who may have unknowingly transacted with Super Advertis through the Orange Money service are being advised to contact the agent they dealt with to initiate the refund process. Orange Mobile Finance ensures that all its agents are equipped with the necessary processes for resolving operational challenges, including direct communication with the company’s back-office support.
Orange Mobile Finance has also addressed concerns regarding social media posts by Super Advertis that have incited the public to damage the company’s property and premises. The company strongly condemns these incitements and urges Super Advertis to stop promoting such harmful behavior.
Upholding legal and ethical standards is a cornerstone of Orange Mobile Finance’s operations. The company continues to operate transparently and adhere to Sierra Leonean laws and regulations, reinforcing its status as a reputable entity in the international finance domain.
The company reiterates its willingness to collaborate with all legally established companies interested in forming a partnership in Sierra Leone. Orange Mobile Finance is committed to serving its customers with utmost integrity and assures the public of its unwavering dedication to ethical business practices.
Customers seeking further information or assistance are encouraged to reach out to Orange Mobile Finance for support.
It is believed that Super Advertis originated in Liberia, where it operated a similar Ponzi scheme under the name Smart AI and defrauded unsuspecting Liberians of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Authorities in Liberia have been searching for the fraudsters behind the scheme since it was uncovered in August 2023.
Super Advertis company was introduced in Sierra Leone in 2023. The platform recruited online workers who were asked to complete daily tasks, with a daily income of 50-500 NLE. It also promised corresponding commissions by completing the increase in praise of the products on the platform.
The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), issued a statement recently stating that it is working with other line stakeholders to investigate Super Advertis. The Unit stated thus “The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders is investigating suspected unlawful activities of Super Advertis, an entity using various mobile money platforms in Sierra Leone to solicit deposits from the public under the guise of investments.
Super Advertis has been engaged in unlicensed and unregulated financial services specifically using mobile money operator agents to accumulate purported investment funds.
This scam which is believed to be a “PONZI SCHEME” operates by reimbursing existing investors from contributions made by new investors, rather than legitimate profits from a lawful business enterprise. Investors are misled into believing that profits arise from legitimate business operations, when in fact, they originate from new investors’ deposits.
Mobile money service providers including Orangemoney and Afrimoney, have taken measures to restrict access to the third-party accounts used by the suspected fraudsters, and are collaborating with relevant authorities in the ongoing investigations.
The FIU advises the public to be cautious in dealing with individuals or institutions offering investment opportunities. We further entreat the public to conduct due diligence, ensuring complete satisfaction with the nature and legitimacy of any business before engaging in financial investments.
The FIU remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the public and maintaining the integrity of financial systems. Further updates on the investigation will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
The public is encouraged to reach out to the FIU or the appropriate authorities to report suspected dubious financial dealings.”
