An umpteenth case of electronic fraud was brought to the attention of the police on Tuesday, November 9. A 29-year-old Portlouisian woman, working as a clerk in a company engaged in the distribution of food products was swindled out of Rs 96 000. This money represented a supposed fee at the customs, so that she could recover a parcel coming from Germany. During the day on Tuesday, she tried in vain to get in touch with the person who was supposed to send her the package. She finally realized that she had been duped.
This Portlouisian explained in her statement made at the police station of Casernes Centrales that she had received a phone call on Whatsapp on Monday, November 8 shortly before 8:45 am. A man made her believe that a parcel coming from Germany is addressed to her, but to be able to recover it she will have to pay a sum of Rs 96 000 which represents the expenses of the customs. An ultimatum was imposed on her. If at 3 pm this money is not paid, the parcel will be seized and she could be in trouble with the law.
The same day she made a bank transfer to an account number that was given to her and also on a mobile application. This money she paid five times. To the police the victim gave the number of a bank account of a woman to which this sum of Rs 96 000 was paid.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police of the southern division has been seized of this case.
