Inspector General of Police, Dr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has revealed a chilling personal encounter with a mobile money fraudster who attempted to scam him, only to be traced back to Nsawam Prison. The incident highlights the growing concern over sophisticated scams orchestrated by inmates within prison walls.
According to Dr. Yohuno, the fraudster called him, pretending to be a genuine individual in need of assistance, and provided a code to dial, which would have granted access to his Mobile Money account if dialed. However, the IGP’s suspicion was aroused, and he questioned the caller, eventually tracing the number to Nsawam Prison.
Scammers’ Tactics
Dr. Yohuno exposed the creative tactics employed by inmates to deceive unsuspecting victims. These include:
– Playing Siren Sounds: Scammers play police sirens in the background to create a false sense of urgency, convincing victims that their relatives have been arrested and need bail money.
– Threats and Extortion: Some inmates threaten victims, demanding large sums of money, exploiting fear to extort.
Public Alert
Dr. Yohuno urged Ghanaians to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving suspicious calls. He advised the public to:
– Verify Caller Identity: Find out where the call comes from.
– Contact Police: Immediately get in touch with the police to trace the caller’s whereabouts.
The IGP’s revelation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current measures to prevent such scams within prisons. With some scammers already serving lengthy sentences, questions arise about the need for more stringent measures to prevent further exploitation .