Police have launched investigations into an alleged fraud syndicate involving three young men suspected of targeting female traders in various parts of Dar es Salaam, following multiple reports of financial losses linked to similar schemes.
According to accounts from affected traders, the suspects have been moving between retail outlets, particularly shops operated by women, where they allegedly execute well-coordinated scams.
One such incident was reported on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at around 1:15 p.m. in the Sinza Vatican area.
In the reported case, the suspects arrived at the scene in a black vehicle before one of them entered a cosmetics shop that is fitted with CCTV cameras.
The suspect selected cosmetic products valued at TZS 110,000 and later claimed he did not possess Tanzanian currency, proposing instead to settle the bill using United States dollars.
He reportedly displayed a bundle of foreign currency and handed over what appeared to be a USD 100 note. Believing the payment to be genuine, the shop attendant issued change amounting to TZS 150,000. The suspect then left the premises with the cosmetics and the cash change.
The fraud was only discovered after the suspect had disappeared, leaving the trader with a total loss of TZS 260,000.
Following the incident, the matter was shared across traders’ communication platforms, where it emerged that more than 53 business owners may have been defrauded using a similar method, though many had not initially reported the cases.
Police confirmed that a case has been opened at Urafiki Police Station under Investigation File Number URK/PE/02/2026, and inquiries are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Authorities have urged business owners to exercise caution when handling foreign currency transactions and encouraged anyone with information related to the suspects to report to the nearest police station, as efforts continue to curb fraud and protect small businesses in the city.