Mpigi, Uganda: St. Maria Goretti Secondary School Katende (SMAGOK) in Mpigi District is racing against time to recover its official TikTok account, @stmariagorettikatende, after it was locked following a phishing scam that targeted the school’s page administrator.
According to administrators, the breach was triggered by a phishing email sent from [email protected], which tricked the handler into attempting verification through a counterfeit login page. This compromise prompted TikTok’s automated systems to lock the account for security.
Recovery Efforts Underway
The school has since submitted comprehensive evidence of ownership to TikTok Trust & Safety. Details shared include the original username (@smagok) and current handle (@stmariagorettikatende), authorized admin devices and login history, the first linked email, phone number, and location, and connection to the school’s verified YouTube channel: SMAGOK YouTube.
Administrators stressed that the YouTube and Instagram accounts remain secure and are now the school’s official communication channels for updates.
Waya Boy Steps In
In the midst of the chaos and dilemma, Ugandan Afro-pop artist Waya Boy, a celebrated SMAGOK alumnus, has stepped in to support the recovery efforts.
“I’m proud to stand with my former school so the account is restored to the right hands and continues telling our story,” he said.
The school has cautioned the public to treat all previous content and direct messages from @stmariagorettikatende with suspicion until TikTok restores full control to the rightful administrators.
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