Con-artists in Hithadhoo swindling money from residents

haveeru
Groups of conmen in Seenu atoll Hithadhoo are visiting houses and swindling money from the residents, some residents from the island have said.

According to a resident of the island who wished to remain anonymous, two men had visited his house on Tuesday night and begged for money. After falling victim to their "sob story" he had given them some money, he said. He said that it was much later that he found out that the group consisted of conmen who were swindling money from the residents.

“The two men came to our house and cried and begged for money saying that their mother was very sick in the hospital and that since they didn’t have any money to buy the medicines her condition was getting worse,” the man who wished to remain anonymous said. “They seemed so sincere and in need of money that we gave them the money. Later, I found out that these men were visiting several households in the island and swindling money from them under false pretences as well. Apparently there are a large number of people who are doing the same thing. We have reported this to the Police even.”

Another man who had fallen victim to the tricksters said that such people usually chose victims who lived in areas far away from where the conmen lived so that they wouldn’t be recognized.

“Since this island has such a huge population there are a lot of unfamiliar faces around,” he said. “They make sure to visit houses that are far away and where they likely won’t be recognized. Most of these groups consist of young men.”

Acting Head of Southern Regional, Sub-Inspector Ahmed Mohamed, said on Wednesday that they had received information that such incidents were occurring and were investigating it.

“We haven’t received any reports directly from any members of the public about such cases,” he said. “However, we are making inquiries.”

Similar incidents had occurred in the island at the beginning of the year too, according to residents.