This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
Con Artists in the City: Be Aware of These Techniques ¶
November 30, 2019
Con artists in the city have devised various techniques to swindle their victims, often with devastating consequences. One such technique is the 'wash wash' scheme, where victims are lured into investing in a fake money-making venture.
Here's how it works: the con artist gains the victim's trust, then asks them to invest in a 'money-making' scheme. The victim is promised a return on their investment, but in reality, the con artist is just fattening them up for the next stage of the scam. Once the victim has invested a significant amount of money, the con artist disappears with the cash, leaving the victim feeling foolish and vulnerable.
Another technique used by con artists is spiritual conmanship. They target innocent people, often young women, and pretend to pray for them. However, once the victim is in their grasp, they drug them and steal their belongings.
Land deals are another area where con artists thrive. They create fake documents and convince victims to invest in a plot of land, only to accuse them of trespassing when they try to view the property.
According to Silas Opanga, a Nairobi-based lawyer, ignorance or greed is often to blame for the proliferation of con artists. He advises that any financial transaction, especially those involving land, should have a written agreement and witnesses.
Rich people, especially those who are ignorant, are also vulnerable to con artists. They may fall prey to preachers who claim they can heal them through prayers, only to be paid by the victims for months on end.
Finally, job placement scams are a common technique used by con artists. They promise victims a job in exchange for a fee, but in reality, they are just taking advantage of the victim's desperation.
It's essential to be aware of these techniques and take necessary precautions to avoid falling victim to con artists in the city.
