It’s time Goans stay alert to the latest scams run by fraudsters in Goa. I recently came across a message on a WhatsApp group with a photo of a man who has cheated people in Siolim. He pretends to be a priest or a Brother working in a school or a nearby church.
He usually targets places where novenas or feasts are taking place. He befriends people and asks for money, saying he needs petrol or a gas cylinder refill. If the person does not have cash, he quickly shows a QR code and requests a payment, promising to return the money by evening — which never happens.
I saw him at Old Goa near the parking area, where he convinced someone to pay him through a QR code. I immediately informed the person to file a complaint at the Old Goa Police Station. I also contacted a young Police Inspector who swiftly picked him up for detailed investigation. Later in the evening, he was transferred to Anjuna Police Station as there is already a case pending against him.
My request to the public: if you remember being cheated by this man, please contact your nearest police station with your transaction details and ask them to coordinate with the Anjuna Police Station. Let the police conduct a full investigation and uncover the network behind this scam that has been robbing people in Goa.
A big thank you to the Old Goa Police and the Anjuna Police team. I hope they will be able to check the man’s complete bank records, as all transactions are digital.
Jago Grahak Jago — Stay alert, stay safe.
