A few taps on a phone allegedly convinced a Lilongwe businesswoman that her money had landed in the bank, but the payments turned out to be nothing more than screenshots.
Police have arrested 25-year-old Judith Phiri, who is accused of using fake payment confirmations to obtain household items worth K363,000 from the businesswoman.
Phiri allegedly placed orders for various goods, including pots, before sending screenshots purporting to show that she had successfully transferred the money.
The alleged trick reportedly worked three times.
It was only after checking her bank account that the businesswoman realised something was wrong. Despite the payment confirmations, no money had reached her account.
She reported the matter to police, triggering investigations that led to Phiri’s arrest.
Lilongwe Police Station deputy public relations officer Khumbo Sanyiwa said police have recovered all the items allegedly obtained through the transactions.
“Lilongwe Police have since arrested Phiri and all the items allegedly obtained through the fake transactions have been recovered,” said Sanyiwa.
Police have not yet indicated whether Phiri has been formally charged or when she will appear in court.
