By Lerato Ndlovu
Citizens have pleaded for government’s intervention following a rise in scammers purporting to be representatives of NGOs extorting money from them.
Residents in Harare’s high density suburbs; Glen View, Budiriro and Mufakose have raised the alarm after a number of scammers approached them urging the residents to pay $1-$3 per head as joining fee into the ‘NGOs’.
One Budiriro resident, Trevor Machekanyanga said they had been invited by to meet a location where they were asked to pay varying amounts depending on age.
” The people tell us that its a donor project and issue small pieces of paper, where they will require us to write down our personal details and pay an administration fee of USD $1-3 basing on our age groups.
One Fadzai Manwa added, “According to these people they state that its for a project called SWIFIN started by Africans in the diaspora to help Africa so everyone who registers and pays administration fees will get USD $100 paid into their account monthly.”
In Mufakose, one Susan Mutesva said they had asked for more details such as physical address of the organisation and traceable contact details, but none were availed.
“These people do not have traceable contacts and offices in the country, where people can go to if they need assistance, if you continue asking they will refer you to google.
“From colleagues who joined they told us that there is an application that they use, it will show you that you have received USD $100 but you can not withdraw it, the explanation is that there is need for further approval from the organisation that will permit one to withdraw”.
Another Glen View resident speaking on condition of anonymity called on the government and police to intervene and deal with the daylight robberies.
“We kindly ask the government and police to intervene, and save those who do not know how donor organisations operate from being robbed.
“We know that there are real organizations operating in the country issuing money and food but not asking for registration fees, but now being over ridden by these bogus organizations swindling money from the vulnerable residents.”
