Royal Grant Scam: Moroccan Police Uncover Elaborate Fraud Scheme
A sophisticated scam involving fake royal grants has prompted an investigation by Morocco’s National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ), highlighting the growing threat of phone-based fraud in the country.
The scam, orchestrated by professional fraudsters, targeted unsuspecting citizens with promises of generous financial support directly from the Moroccan monarchy. Posing as representatives of various organizations, the scammers contacted individuals, often congratulating them on being selected for a special royal grant.
In one chilling example, a woman received a call from a man claiming to be managing the distribution of these grants. He informed her that she was eligible for a 3,500 Dirham grant, a significant sum for many Moroccans. To facilitate the transfer, he requested her bank account details, including her debit card number. He even went as far as asking for a one-time code sent to her phone, assuring her it was a necessary step to process the payment.
Thankfully, the woman became suspicious and ended the call before revealing the code. She later discovered that her sister had fallen victim to the same scam, losing a substantial amount of money.
This incident is not an isolated one. The BNPJ, in coordination with regional police units, has been working tirelessly to dismantle similar networks operating throughout the country. These criminal groups often employ similar tactics, contacting people with claims of lottery wins or other prizes, then using the excitement and confusion to extract sensitive financial information.
This case underscores the growing problem of phone scams and financial fraud, a trend that has seen a significant uptick in recent years. According to [insert relevant statistics on phone scams in Morocco or globally], these scams often target vulnerable individuals, exploiting their trust and lack of awareness about cybersecurity best practices.
The BNPJ urges citizens to be vigilant and follow these safety tips to protect themselves from becoming victims of such scams:
Never share personal or financial information over the phone with unverified callers.
Be wary of unsolicited calls promising prizes, grants, or financial rewards.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and independently verify the information through official channels.
Report any suspected fraudulent activity to the authorities immediately.
By raising awareness and promoting vigilance, Moroccan authorities aim to combat these scams and protect citizens from falling prey to these elaborate schemes.
