Several Berbicians – as well as a blind man from Essequibo – have been swindled by a woman who has been telling her victims that she is underprivileged in order to gain help and financial assistance.
Stabroek News understands that the woman would relate tales of distress to members of the public and solicit money among other items. It has also been reported that the woman would scam persons who are desirous of adopting children.
The swindler’s latest victim is Mohammed Hakeem, 88, of Essequibo. Stabroek News was told that the woman disguised herself as a Muslim sister, went to the mosque at Cotton Tree, Berbice and indicated to a male worshipper that she would take care of Hakeem after she overheard that the visually impaired man was looking for someone to take care of him. She, however, brought Hakeem from West Coast Berbice to the Corentyne and robbed him of $100,000.
Hakeem recounted to Stabroek News that on Saturday, he was at the Cotton Tree mosque and asked a worshipper if he could take care of him since he is homeless. Subsequent to the request, Hakeem said, he heard a woman telling the man whom he was speaking to, that she would take care of him (Hakeem). “Brother I would take