Despite awareness campaigns on television, radio and social networks, as well as the presentation of certain alleged perpetrators of scams on Togolese Television (TVT), not a week goes by without the National Police records dozens of scam victims. The National Police, resolutely determined to prevent scams, now have the duty to describe each type of scam in detail, in order to raise awareness among a wider public and prevent other people from becoming victims.
To this end, the Police published this Wednesday, the first issue of a column called “preventing scams”. This first issue focuses on the “sick or injured child” scam which is quite common.
One of the Police’s descriptions is receiving a call from a stranger claiming to be a teacher or supervisor at the school or learning center where your child or dependent is located. The interlocutor may tell you that your protégé was the victim of a serious accident, or that he or she was seriously unwell. “He goes on to say that as he speaks to you, they are on their way to a healthcare facility, that the patient’s condition is critical, and that urgently you need to pay for first aid. Generally, he tells you that the patient must receive a blood transfusion, and that you must send by flooz or by tmoney the money necessary to buy two bags of blood,” explains the Police.
Thus, panicked and, unfortunately, without hesitation, the relatives of the supposed victim send money. “After taking the bait, they will invent excuses to get you to send more and more money. When you want to contact the patient, they will always put forward the argument of the time beyond which, according to them, you will no longer find your patient alive. When they have had enough of what they want, or when you realize that your loved one has nothing, they will cut ties,” warns the police.
What should be done in such a scenario?
According to the police, you must always have contact with a supervisor for your child. “This will allow you, in such a situation, to contact the person to ensure that your child is indeed in their school or learning center,” advises the police.
It is therefore not recommended to send money by mobile money, but rather offer to the person you are talking to to send them, through an acquaintance, money in person.
Finally, the police urge you to contact their services and communicate all available information.
The police also emphasize that investigations into this type of scam are not easy, especially when the scammers break off contact with their victims. The population is invited to be extra vigilant so as not to become victims.
Togotopnews