Today, I witnessed a heartbreaking scene at the emergency room. A frantic father rushed in, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of his daughter.
“The doctors and nurses called me,” he exclaimed. “They said my daughter was in a terrible accident and was rushed here in critical condition. I sent 800 cedis for treatment via MoMo. Where’s my daughter?”
That was strange. Something didn’t add up. Our records showed no child matching his description had been admitted. In fact we hadn’t received any accident victim that morning.
I exchanged concerned glances with my colleagues. We knew in our minds what may have happened.
Just then, the supposed doctors called back, demanding extra 1500 cedis for an urgent blood transfusion.
We decided to speak to them and as soon as they realized we were actual hospital staff, they hung up. The scammers hung up.
It was all a scam.
The father was visibly shaken, unable to sit down. His distress was palpable.
We reassured him and advised him to verify his daughter’s safety at her school.
With a mix of relief, anger and confusion he left the emergency room.
This poor dad’s story is just one of the many instances when scammers have preyed on vulnerable families, exploiting their fear and trust.
This what multidimensional poverty leads to!
Have you or a loved one experienced a similar scam? Share your story in the comments below.