In recent weeks, a video has been circulating on social networks that shows an alleged criminal putting a fabric with an unknown substance in a car to, apparently, drug the driver and rob her.
The tactic became known as the “rag scam” and caused concern among users. However, some profiles that published the video stated that it is a simulation, since the angle and cuts give indications that it was not recorded by a security camera.
Watch the video:
Unlikely scam
For Uol, federal police officer and self-defense instructor Fábio Henrique explained that the “rag scam” depends on many variables and, therefore, would not be a criminal’s first option.
“First, there is no substance with such a strong and immediate effect. Another issue is that the thief would depend on many conditions to succeed. Hardly a normal person would smell that cloth. What the criminals do is follow a person, look for the moment of the person’s fragility and use violence to surrender them,” he said.
The
professional criticized the type of posts such as the one in the alleged scam, since they cause panic among the population, especially the elderly.
“It’s a disfavor that people do in search of likes. People start to get paranoid, that doesn’t exist,” he explains.
According to the expert, although the video of the “rag scam” is fake, people are not immune from being victims of robberies and kidnappings, which usually happen to those who are “alone, inattentive and in deserted spaces”.
“Usually, criminals act in pairs and have a plan – which is what makes it difficult for the victim to react. However, knowledge is your most powerful weapon. Being aware of safety does not mean being terrified, stunned or paranoid,” he said .
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