Fraudulent Activities Targeting Local Merchants
On August 21, 2026, the Union of Traders and Professionals in Derb Omar, Casablanca, issued a critical warning regarding a series of fraudulent schemes targeting local merchants. The organization reported a rise in incidents involving the use of counterfeit bank transfer receipts by individuals posing as potential buyers. According to the association, these fraudsters trick merchants into believing they are purchasing goods in bulk, only to send a fake receipt that suggests the total amount has been transferred. They subsequently request the shipment of the goods to various cities, including Agadir and Marrakech, sometimes altering the delivery location at the last moment.
Victims of this scam often discover that the supposed funds have not been credited to their accounts after dispatching the goods, leading to significant financial losses. The association has urged merchants to exercise caution and not rely solely on the receipts sent to them. Instead, they should verify the actual arrival of funds through official banking applications or by directly contacting their bank. Additionally, they are advised to be wary of urgent requests and sudden changes in delivery destinations.
The union encourages anyone encountering suspicious communications or transactions to report them immediately to law enforcement or the association's management. This proactive approach aims to protect local businesses from falling victim to these deceptive practices and ensure the integrity of trade within the community.
As reported by casa24.ma.
