Mother of missing youth scammed with false leads about his whereabouts
In an act that has sparked outrage, the mother of Joan Genao, who has been missing since October 2024, was the victim of a scam after attempting to obtain information about her son’s whereabouts. An unknown person contacted her claiming to possess key information, managing to get the desperate woman to make transfers totaling 26,000 Dominican pesos.
The investigation, documented by journalist Evelyn Abreu, details how the individual used manipulative tactics, including sending photographs of judicial proceedings to appear credible and to have access to official information. Under the excuse of covering travel expenses to the location where the young man was supposedly located, the scammer requested various payments from the mother.
Details of the formal complaint
The fraud was carried out on September 16th through three bank transfers in the amounts of 6,000, 10,000, and 10,000 pesos. After receiving the money, the subject ceased providing concrete leads, keeping the family in uncertainty. Given this situation, the mother filed a formal complaint on September 18th with the Santo Domingo Este Prosecutor’s Office, under the case file ending in 016106.
The complaint filed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office includes the history of conversations, records of phone numbers, and bank receipts of the transfers, which are fundamental elements to identify those responsible for this extortion scheme.
A modus operandi that affects vulnerable families
This case is not an isolated incident. The investigation led by Abreu reveals a worrying pattern, having documented at least 15 similar situations where criminals take advantage of the vulnerability of families searching for their loved ones. Of these cases, ten already have solid evidence such as screenshots and communication records.
- Citizens are urged not to make payments to strangers who promise information about missing persons.
- It is vital to keep all communications and account numbers involved.
- Any attempt at extortion must be reported immediately to the Public Prosecutor’s Office or the National Police.
The authorities have been urged to delve deeper into tracing the receiving accounts and the origin of the calls to dismantle what appears to be an organized network profiting from the pain of Dominican families. Meanwhile, the search for Joan Genao remains active.
