A CONFIDENCE trickster has fleeced Ganesh Subrattie of Hampshire, Corentyne, Berbice, of $34,000.
The con artist persuaded the victim to hand over the cash under the pretext
that he is the recipient of foreign currency.
Subrattie, an entrepreneur who does business at Port Mourant and Rose Hall, Corentyne said he was robbed on Saturday while at home.
He said a male East Indian, about six feet tall, walking with a limp, emerged from a motor car and approached him.
The latter said he had previously arrived from the United States and had brought some money sent by relatives overseas.
Subrattie said: “The man looked as though he came from the U.S. but, initially, I was cautious, as none of my relatives had indicated that they were sending cash for me. But the man named all my overseas cousins and where they live, while displaying a wad of  American currency.”
Subrattie said the man then turned in the direction of the vehicle driver, as though he just remembered him and then requested money to pay him, as he claimed he did not have local currency.
“I told him I didn’t have much, as business did not go so well. But, together with my family members, we raised $34,000 and gave him, after he promised to give US$200 in exchange. But, as soon as he got the cash, the man quickly left the yard and went back into the car which sped away,” Subrattie related, adding that it took him minutes to realise that he had been conned.
The incident was reported at Albion Police Station where the complainant was told of several similar reports.