فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Rabat, Morocco – The digital sphere in Morocco is witnessing a growing phenomenon of scams and fraud through fake investment offers promoted on social media, promising victims astronomical profits. National security forces have successfully arrested a woman and her daughter on suspicion of involvement in this type of crime.
According to available information, the two suspects exploited a channel on a digital platform to present fake investment opportunities in a fictional company that has no real-world existence. This activity enabled them to seize a total of over 1.8 million dirhams, after deluding victims into believing they could achieve quick and guaranteed profits.
In this regard, sociologist Nabil Safi explains that technological development is a double-edged sword; while it has facilitated communication and transactions, it has also opened the door for professional fraudsters who exploit human greed. Safi points out that the culprits rely on a well-crafted persuasive discourse, backed by fake testimonials and guarantees, to deceive victims into believing in their credibility, exploiting the culture of linking trust to the number of followers and “likes” on digital platforms.
For his part, lawyer Yassine Assila, from the Casablanca Bar Association, affirms that social media has become a fertile environment for exploiting the trust of individuals seeking quick wealth. He adds that the suspects benefit from the virtual nature of the internet to target a larger number of victims without the need for physical oversight or direct verification of the information’s authenticity.
Deterrent Penalties and Preventive Recommendations
Assila notes that the Moroccan Penal Code punishes fraud and deception, with penalties ranging from one to five years in prison and a fine, with the possibility of doubling the prison sentence and increasing the fine to 100,000 dirhams if technological means are used to commit the crime or if the perpetrators form an organized network. Those involved can also be prosecuted for money laundering if they are found to have invested the illicitly obtained funds.
To avoid falling into this trap, experts recommend exercising extreme caution and conducting thorough due diligence before engaging in any financial transaction with unknown parties, and relying on documented legal contracts. They also stress the importance of consulting specialists and not using social media as the sole or primary source for building trust.
In conclusion, experts call for intensified awareness campaigns in schools and media to warn citizens about the dangers of these fraudulent schemes and to verify the legality of any company before engaging with it.
