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Kinyarwanda
Recently, Zikiri Umurerwa, 20, who hails from Kabare, Nyagashanga cell in Karangazi Sector of Nyagatare District, called Benitha Nzamwitakuze, who lives in Kigali to accord her shelter. Nzamwitakuze is a mobile money agent in Giporoso, Kabeza Cell in Kanombe Sector, Kicukiro District.
The two had met once in the past.
Umurerwa claimed she had come to visit a sick friend admitted in the hospital, it was getting late and needed shelter.
Nzamwitakuze didn't hesitate to invite Umurerwa into her house.
Umurerwa was on a mission.
Umurerwa first joined Nzamwitakuze at her work station in Giporoso until at about 10pm when the latter closed her telecom banking business to retire home.
In the two hours that she sat at Nzamwitakuze's work station, Umurerwa was monitoring the telecom banking PIN number she was using.
Soon as they retired home, Umurerwa, who now knew the PIN, transferred Rwf68, 000 from her host's business account.
Nzamwitakuze never noticed. Early the following day, Umurerwa picked up his belonging, told her host that she was going back home; and there she left.
Umurerwa withdrew the money later that morning.
Nzamwitakuze was to realise later that morning that Rwf68,000 had gone missing from her business mobile account.
She reached out to her service provider for help. It came to light that the money was transferred to a mobile account belonging to Umurerwa.
Law enforcement organs worked together to lure Umurerwa back to Kigali where she was arrested on March 6.
She has since been handed over to RIB at Kanombe station.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson of the Central region, this is one of the tricks fraudsters use to victimize their unwitting targets.
"They tend to befriend you as a way of getting closer to know your password or PIN, which they either use themselves to transfer the money from your account or pass it over to other members of their ring," CIP Umutesi said.
"Your PIN is your security, so it's crucial that you guard it jealously from anyone," she advised.
"Telecom banking agents are being targeted by fraudsters, who employ varied tricks, including use of fake transaction messages. Always be vigilant and shared information whenever you suspect someone to be engaged in such fraudulent acts."
Article No 174 of Rwanda Penal code on 27/09/2018 stipulates that any person who, by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) years and not more than three (3) years, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.
