Money related crimes

By Mpalie Bothoko

According to Assistant Superitendant P Vakalisa of the Central Police station in Gaborone, statistically speaking credit card fraud is more prevalent in Botswana as opposed to scams concotted by perpetratures to cheat people out of their money.With refernce to this fraud, it is found that the most common occurences relating to credit card fraud is where criminals will physically steal the cards from careless owners and use them to pay for goods and services.This practice is further perpetuated by the fact that dealers or corporations offering these goods and services in Botswana rarely if ever request that any credit card transation should be accompanied by the presentation of valid identification.

Money related crimes are quite extensive and the list of scams is by most regards inexhaustible. it ranges from counterfeits to petty theft, false deals to loan sharks. However, the common trend that exists between them is that the fast growth of these activities is spurned by a lack of concern for personal security by individuals. The tiniest preventative measures have been found to have the geratse effect according to the Supritendent.She says that people are careless enough to relinquish their bank cards to private loan firms as insurance which although is an illegal practise, it is difficult to contorl by the authorities as these firms are legally registered with banks. It all comes down to the public to be vigilant, inqisitive and not easily taken by whimsical promises of fantastic income. Financial security, just like financial management is the responsibility of the individual above all else.