Retired Mamelodi nurse releases updated book on cons and scams
With three extra chapters, the English edition explores digital fraud, manipulative conmen, and real-life cautionary tales for anyone seeking to stay safe from scammers.
The second edition of a book, titled Betrayal and Fraud in the World of Cons, is out.
The original manuscript of the book was in Sepedi, and this version is in English, with three additional translations planned, all aiming to inform the reader on the world of conmen and scammers.
The author, Refilwe Josephine Mohala, a retired nurse from Naledi Section V in Mamelodi West, said the English version has three added chapters.
Mohlala said the book is based on true events, some of which happened to her and some of which happened to other victims.
“The additional info is about conmen going digital, using cellphones to rob people, pretending to be working at banks,” said Mohlala.
“Vulnerable widows are targeted by conmen, assuming that they have money,” said Mohlala.
Mohlala said another chapter, ‘Cousin from Bushbuckridge’, is about people who pretend to be stranded members, needing urgent help.
She describes the book as a tool that will help anyone avoid being manipulated by scammers.
Conmen is an eye-opening book, delving into the dark and cunning tactics of those who prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable people.
The book also talks about being manipulated using cultural and religious beliefs, exploiting fears, and how the great and infamous conmen are masters of psychological manipulation.
How conmen operate in pairs, how they meticulously plan their schemes, targeting those with a lump sum of money or a vulnerable disposition – it’s all in the book.
“Victims find themselves ensnared in a web of deceit, often too embarrassed to report the crime to authorities.
“These self-contained episodes reveal the chilling reality of how people are robbed, with some cases involving sexual favours as a means of manipulation,” warns Mohlala.
Each story is true to life, though edited to avoid revealing the identities of any of the victims, and serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers posed by these cunning predators.
She said anyone reading the book will be left both shocked and enlightened as they uncover the unsettling world of conmen, and the devastating impact of their actions.
“Money changed into ‘papers’ may be a euphemism, but the consequences of falling victim to a conman are all too real.”
Anyone wishing to get a copy of the book can contact Refilwe Mohlala on 082 956 3775.
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