In recent months, Harare’s streets have seen a concerning increase in individuals offering “free body scans” to passersby. These scammers, often young women dressed in professional attire, approach pedestrians with flyers and persuasive pitches, luring them to nearby offices for what they claim is a revolutionary medical scan. As tempting as a free health check may sound, especially given how expensive and difficult to access medical care can be,, these offers are nothing more than elaborate cons designed to separate you from your hard-earned money.

The Setup

The scammers are strategic in their approach, often targeting those who appear to be from out of town or elderly individuals who may be more trusting of seemingly professional medical personnel. Once they’ve convinced someone to follow them, the victim is led to a nearby office where they encounter individuals posing as medical professionals.

These fake “doctors” or “chiremba” are typically dressed in white lab coats or scrubs, complete with name tags and stethoscopes. It’s important to note that they carefully avoid directly calling themselves doctors, as this would be illegal. Instead, they rely on their appearance and demeanour to create the impression of medical authority.

The “Miracle Machine”

The Body Scanner is just a glorified voltimeter

The centrepiece of this scam is a device called the Quantum Resonance Magnetic Health Analyzer. This impressive-looking machine comes in a briefcase and features an array of dials, displays, and electrodes. The scammers claim this single device can diagnose a wide range of conditions, from cancer and heart disease to diabetes and tuberculosis.

In reality, the Quantum Resonance Magnetic Health Analyzer is not a legitimate medical device. It’s essentially a collection of simple electrical components that measure tiny electrical currents passed through the body. The machine’s impressive appearance and the theatrical performance put on by the scammers are designed to convince victims of its authenticity.

The Diagnosis and “Treatment”

After a series of pseudo-medical tests involving the placement of electrodes on various parts of the body, accompanied by beeping noises and serious expressions from the “doctor”, the victim is inevitably given some concerning news. They are told they either have a serious condition or are at high risk of developing one unless they take immediate action.

This is where the true nature of the scam is revealed. The victim is directed to an in-house “pharmacist” or “herbalist” who offers a range of overpriced “treatments”, often in the form of Chinese herbs or products like STC30. These items, which may be nothing more than repackaged tea or sugar pills, are sold at exorbitant prices under the guise of being miracle cures or preventative medicines.

The Dangers

Beyond the financial harm caused by these scams, there are serious health risks to consider:

Delayed proper medical care: Believing they’ve received a thorough health check, victims may postpone seeking legitimate medical attention.
Interactions with existing medications: The herbal products sold may interact dangerously with medications a person is already taking.
False sense of security: A clean bill of health from these scammers might lead someone to ignore real symptoms that develop later.
Ongoing exploitation: Scammers often collect contact information to continue selling products to victims over time.

Protecting Yourself

To avoid falling victim to these scams, keep the following in mind:

Legitimate medical professionals do not solicit patients on the street.
No single device can diagnose all diseases, especially not one that fits in a briefcase.
If it sounds too good to be true (like a free, comprehensive health scan), it probably is.
Always seek medical advice from licensed professionals at registered healthcare facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are any of these street scans legitimate?
A: No, legitimate medical professionals do not offer diagnostic services on the street. All of these “free body scan” offers are scams.

Q: Can the Quantum Resonance Magnetic Health Analyzer actually detect diseases?
A: No, this device is not a legitimate medical tool and cannot accurately diagnose any health conditions.

Q: What should I do if I’ve already participated in one of these scans?
A: Do not take any “medications” they may have given you. Consult with a licensed medical professional for a proper health assessment.

Q: How can I report these scammers?
A: Contact local law enforcement or the Zimbabwe Medical Association to report these fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

While the allure of a free, comprehensive health scan is understandable, especially in a country where healthcare can be costly and difficult to access, it’s crucial to remain vigilant against these scams. The “free body scan” offers on the streets of Harare are nothing more than elaborate confidence tricks designed to exploit people’s health concerns for financial gain. Always seek medical advice from licensed professionals at registered healthcare facilities. Your health is too important to entrust to street-corner charlatans.