The ManicaPost
THE old adage that says it is criminal to ignore crime always recalls to mind the conviction that should shake our hearts each time issues to do with crime are raised. I hope you are now adequately equipped to deal with some of the vulnerable points that were brought to you in the last two editions of your favourite paper.
We, however, continue to explore those areas where criminal elements are likely to hit us where it hurts most during the time when our conscious mind is busy with other matters of life.
Cases of fraud have occurred in the most heart-wrecking manner resulting in loss of large sums of money and other valuable property.
Put in a much simpler way, fraud is committed by a person who through misrepresentation takes property belonging to another with the intention of depriving that person permanently in his or her property.
Fraudsters thrive on trust, innocence and to some extent ignorance on the party of their victims. They are very genuine-looking people, quick and gifted with the tongue and possess an inch-perfect instinct that guides them to easy targets.
A number of fraudulent scenarios are circulating on the internet, mobile phones and by way of ordinary communication. While most of the people have been caught unaware and fallen victim, others have been alert enough to side step the attempt by tricksters at swindling them of their hard earned cash and property.
The fraudsters’ approach range from high profile to school-boy tricks that leave one wandering what hit them. Some of the common methods are discussed below.
Heirs to deceased’s estates in foreign countries.
Many people are receiving messages over their mobile phones from people based in foreign countries in which the foreigner claims to be an heir to large sums of money left behind by his or her deceased parents.
The targeted victim is cited as having been identified as a foreign beneficiary who is required to partner the ‘her’ to facilitate release of the money.
The victim is then made to supply his bank and other details and to deposit a certain amount of money as processing or administration fee. This money is usually a substantial amount but the promised return is so tempting and the victim complies. The foreigner then disappears without trace.
Tender for security services
In yet another trick that has been doing the rounds in cities (Mutare had two of such cases), the fraudster claims to be a company owner requiring the services of a security company.
He then targets security companies with an offer of a tender. The owner is then requested to pay some money so as to be given the tender ahead of other competing non-existing companies. After getting the money the individual just disappears into thin air.
Counterfeit bank notes
The most common approach has been that of using counterfeit bank notes. The fraudster approaches the victim and offers to buy small-value items with large denominations of fake money.
He is given the purchased item and change in genuine notes. These criminals target very busy hours and may engage the service provider in some other flimsy activity or discussion to divert his or her attention from the fake money. Some service stations and shops in Mutare where hit in this manner some months ago.
Housing schemes
Some will recall property scams that rocked Mutare and other parts of the country in 2013.
Housing schemes have been an easy cash-in activity that has seen fraudsters smiling all the way to the bank in recent years. Desperate home seekers have been made to join unregistered and dubious Housing Schemes. They are then made to deposit monthly subscriptions or to do a one off payment with the hope of securing stands. In some instances, they are given stand numbers for non existing stands in some locations around town. The administrators of the scheme either disappear or just fail to fulfill their promises.
These are just some of the high profile fraud cases which our people need to be on the lookout for. In the next issue we look at some of the ways by which we can avoid falling victim to cases of fraud of varying magnitude.
Remember this: The maximum sentence for a person convicted for fraud is a fine not exceeding Level 14 or exceeding twice the value of any property obtained by him as a result of this crime, or imprisonment up to 35 years, or both such fine and imprisonment. Is it worth it?
Inserted by- ZRP Manicaland Press and Public Relations
