Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Saturday, August 15, arrested a suspect in a syndicate running a scam operation through various mediums including WhatsApp.
The suspect was apprehended in Mihang'o, Utawala area by officers and is suspected to be working with others.
Police discovered that the crime involved the alleged purchase of furnished 20x40ft or 40x40ft containers for occupation or business.
According to detectives, the suspect used different online platforms including WhatsApp and emails to lure buyers but would disappear upon receiving payment from unsuspecting victims.
"Have you lost money through advertisements appearing on sections of the media, wooing unsuspecting members of the public
"We are appealing to any person/s who may have fallen prey to his machinations to come forward and report to the Serious Crimes Investigations Unit at DCI HQs for further investigations," the DCI announced on their social media platforms.
Several scams have surfaced on WhatsApp groups in recent months including a notice drawing unsuspecting citizens into registering for a fake food distribution programme.
The messages were being circulated on WhatsApp groups with a promise of getting money from a fictitious Covid-19 relief fund.
With the increase in digital payments, before making any payment online, it is advisable for one to conduct their due diligence by making sure the transaction is legitimate.
When conducting transactions that are of high value, one should inspect the products physically for example visit the car yard and confirm that the legal documentation is verifiable. For a land transaction, a land search in the Ministry's records will suffice.
Make payments when you are 100 percent sure the deal is real to avoid getting conned and losing money.
As a rule of thumb in combating fake news, it is recommended to only share information that is verified.
