scammers on the loose

Scammers on the Loose

By Laura Mpoka

In a brazen display of deception, scammers are targeting unsuspecting Malawians with fake scholarship and job schemes, leaving a trail of financial devastation in their wake. The scammers, who operate through social media platforms, online job boards, and text messages, are using sophisticated tactics to convince their victims to part with their hard-earned cash.

Emily Banda, a 22-year-old student from Lilongwe, is one of the latest victims of these scams. She received a message on WhatsApp from someone claiming to be from the Ministry of Education offering her a scholarship to study in the UK. The scammer asked her to pay a processing fee of K200,000, which she did. But when she tried to contact them again, they had blocked her number.

"I was so excited to get the scholarship, I didn't think twice about paying the fee," Emily said. "But now I realize I was foolish to trust them. I've lost K200,000, which is a lot of money for me."

Emily's story is not isolated. Dozens of Malawians have reported similar incidents, with some losing as much as K1 million to the scammers. The Malawi Police Service has confirmed an increase in fraud cases in Lilongwe, with the Commercial Crimes Unit receiving an average of 10 reports per week.

"We are actively investigating these cases and working to bring the perpetrators to justice," said Assistant Superintendent Hestings Chigalu, spokesperson for the Lilongwe Police. "We urge the public to be cautious when applying for scholarships, jobs, or loans online. Verify the authenticity of the offers and report any suspicious activities to the police."

The Reserve Bank of Malawi has also issued a warning to the public about the rise in online scams. "We have noticed an increase in cases of online fraud, particularly in the areas of loan and job applications," said Governor Dr Mafuta Mwale. "We are working with the police and other stakeholders to bring the perpetrators to book and protect the public from these scams."

In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of online scams in Malawi. In one case, a group of scammers posing as representatives of a foreign company duped several Malawians into investing in a fake business venture. The scammers promised investors high returns, but instead, they disappeared with the money.

In another case, a scammer posing as a recruitment agent for a international company convinced several Malawians to pay him fees for fake job interviews. The scammer promised the victims jobs in foreign countries, but instead, he disappeared with the money.

These cases highlight the need for vigilance and caution when dealing with online offers and schemes. The public is urged to be skeptical of unsolicited offers and to verify the authenticity of any scheme or offer before parting with their money.

By being proactive and taking steps to protect themselves, Malawians can avoid falling victim to these scams and ensure that their hard-earned money is safe.