know that the chances of two or more
people simultaneously picking the same
winning numbers for the grand prize are
statistically impossible. Similarly sports
betting companies know that with every
bet, there losers and winners. The idea
here is to create betting odds that result
in more losers than winners and the
business profits. Unfortunately ignorant
people continue playing with the hope
of winning something that works to the
advantage of the betting company. Only
a few really benefit from betting but the
rest will remain losers.
2
Illegal activities such mining
Zimbabwe is endowed with an array of natural resources
but many still find it difficult to get by. Therefore the temptation
to venture into risky and illegal mining activities is always high
because of the riches promised by such ventures. Between 2005
and 2008 there was a great trek to the country’s Eastern border
town of Marange. Zimbabweans from all over the country
converged at this remote place as they searched for diamonds.
Indeed the few pioneers of diamond panning benefitted but
once word got out that there riches just waiting to be taken,
Marange/Chiadzwa soon became dangerous place to venture
into. In addition to state security stationed there, miners had
to content with criminal elements that pounced on them once
they evaded security forces. There all kinds of gory stories that
are told by those that who fell victim to such criminals. Many
returned from the diamonds emptied handed even after having
sold everything to finance their excursion into the diamond field
in the first place. The government eventually sealed off the place
and now only registered organisations are operating there. For
fortune seekers the story is the same with gold rush, financial
losses and physical injuries.
3Drug Peddling
4
Outright Scams
The last get rich quick scheme we discuss here are
outright scams. These range from pyramid schemes like the
infamous money clubs of the 90s. Ponzi schemes also fit right
into this category and most often these are illegal yet people still
get scooped because they do not want to listen to reason. Unlike
the schemes we discussed above, pyramid scams often promise
ridiculous returns to participants for doing absolutely nothing.
At least with illegal mining you actually do the mining and if
you are fortunate, you can actually get away with diamonds or
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The Parade - Zimbabwe’s Most Read Lifestyle Magazine
This is another area where get rich quickly
wannabes turn to. A few years ago, a young
Zimbabwean drug mule was sentenced to jail
in Hong Kong after she was convicted of drug
trafficking. Due to the tough anti-drug laws, there
is a premium for drug traffickers who are willing
to ship drugs to this country. In spite of this,
young men and women still try to traffic drugs
not only outside but into the country as well. In
2102 after the The Parade magazine broke off the
story on Bron Cleer abuse, it has since emerged
that syndicates are involved bringing in this cough
syrup, which is not licenced by authorities for
marketing in Zimbabwe. Again young people are
involved in this trade and they are willing to risk
jail time just to get rich this way.
the gold. With pyramid schemes you are asked to invest your
money into something that is complex but without a guarantee
of the return. Your only task is to recruit others to join the same,
there is no real value generated here. However, after seeming to
be successful in the initial months, pyramid schemes often run
into problems ultimately collapsing. Ignorant victims are often
left with nothing as the schemers get arrested or simply vanish.
In addition to such elaborate schemes, Zimbabwean fortune
hunters are also made to venture in unchartered waters as
they search for the elusive riches. Last years (2014) there were
reports of a bomb explosion in Chitungwiza town just outside
December 2015