A "Heavenly" Scam and Currency Exchange Fraud: A Pharmacist in Orica Falls Victim

A robbery that took place at a pharmacy in the Ourika area documents a devious tactic known as “Al-Samawi” or the “quick scam,” in which the perpetrator exploits the victim’s good faith and confuses her with frequent requests to change the change and rapid shuffling of bills. Surveillance camera footage reveals the precise details of how the pharmacist’s attention was diverted during the transaction, allowing the perpetrator to steal money without arousing suspicion at the time.

This incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance and caution among all professionals and merchants, especially women, who are often targeted due to their spontaneous nature and good faith. Preventive measures boil down to adhering to strict rules during financial transactions, most notably closing the cash register immediately after completing the transaction, refusing requests to change or consolidate change after the goods have been delivered, and taking one’s time while counting and calculating.