Providence Moyo
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has issued a public warning about a surge in cases of “Chadonha” (The Dropped Money Trick) and “Ukuqhatshwa” (Fake Job Offer for Offloading a Lorry) scams.
Authorities say these scams are being used by cunning con artists to steal money and valuables from unsuspecting victims.
In the Chadonha scam, fraudsters deliberately drop what appears to be a bundle of cash or a wallet in a public place. When a passer by notices it, accomplices pretend to also have seen or claim they dropped the cash, luring the victim into a conversation. The victim is then manipulated into entering a secluded space under the pretext of sharing the “found”money, where they are robbed of their possessions and left stranded with a bundle of counterfeit notes or worthless paper.
The Ukuqhatshwa scam targets job sekers. Fraudster pose as employers offering genuine short-term labor jobs, particularly offloading a lorry or goods at nearby warehouses. Victims are approached at busy areas and promised good pay after completing the job. However, before reaching the supposed work site, victims are asked to surrender their bags, cellphones, or wallets for safekeeping, and the scammers disappear with the stolen items.
The police are urging the public to be on high alert and to never engage in money-sharing schemes involving found cash or dropped items. They also advise against surrendering personal belongings to strangers under any circumstances and avoiding following unknown individuals to secluded locations.
The police urge anyone who suspects they have been targeted or has information about these scams to report to the nearest police station immediately.
“We strongly advise the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to these deceptive tactics,” said Thandekile Ndlovu, Deputy Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province.
Picture Credit: Dreams time.com
