Beware of strangers

Beware of strangers

At 2 p.m. on Jan. 24, 1997 I was about to leave ITC Mangga
Dua, the wholesale market in downtown Jakarta, when a young man
accosted me. He was slightly built and dark skinned. In a Malay
accent he said he belonged to a ship's crew and asked what the
taxi fare would be to Sogo department store on Jl. Thamrin,
thereby showing a Rp 50,000 banknote. He also said he was
marketing electronic ware. Suddenly another man joined in the
conversation. He was tall and heavily built, wore a tie and held
a cellular phone and a thick wallet. He said he was able to
market the electronic ware because he had a showroom in his
office.

It was from this moment that I became involved in their
activities. Despite saying that I was fasting, I found myself
sitting in a restaurant with them. It was here a business
transaction took place. I was led into a taxi to the nearest bank
where I had a savings account.

My account was practically emptied. I only realized that I had
been conned when I was put into a taxi to take me home. I called
the telephone numbers given, but they did not respond. I then
went to the office address. All was in vain. I was informed that
no company of that name existed in the area. I was shocked,
unable to move. May God forgive them and open their hearts and
make them realize and regret their deed.

I would appeal especially to women not to go out on their own
and carry bank documents or other valuables with them.

Name and address

known to the editor