Harare Woman ‘Sells’ 250 Chickens For US$20 Following Elaborate Scam

US$1,500 Chicken Order Ends In Shock US$20 Scam

A Harare woman was left devastated after being duped into handing over 250 chickens worth US$1,500 (R27,600) for just US$20 (R368). The shocking scam played out early this morning, Tuesday 28 October 2025, after she was tricked into believing she was completing a legitimate bulk order.

The Elaborate Setup

According to Zimlive, farmer Lucia Nyamayaro explained how the scam unfolded after she advertised her dressed chickens on Facebook.

She told the publication:

“The man I had been talking to didn’t show up, but two other guys arrived in a Toyota Hilux, registration AFT 7625, saying they worked for him.”

The “customer” had contacted her through mobile numbers 0787 393 755 and 0788 682 398, placing an order for 250 birds at a total of US$1,500 (R27,600). The meeting was set for 6AM at Strathaven shops in Harare.

Nyamayaro recounted how the men gave her what appeared to be the correct amount of money.

“They handed me a bunch of cash tied with a rubber band in US$10 and US$20 notes. I counted and confirmed it was US$1,500. They then said they needed to fetch the keys to the butchery from their boss’s house nearby and couldn’t leave both the money and the chickens with me.”

The Switch

Nyamayaro told the publication that she briefly returned the cash bundle when the men made the excuse. They then suggested taking the chickens after all.

“We began loading the chickens into their vehicle. When we were almost done, one of them handed me what I thought was the same bundle of cash. They then jumped into their vehicle and sped off.”

When she checked, she discovered only a single US$20 (R368) note wrapped around a pile of worthless old Zimbabwe dollar bills.

“I could cry. I went through so much to raise these chickens for this order, and to lose all that money like this is heartbreaking,” she said.

Police Report Filed

The case was reported to Avondale Police Station under crime reference number RRB 6484751.

Police have urged anyone with information about the suspects to come forward. Members of the public can contact the nearest police station or call the victim directly on 0772972380.

How Farmers Can Avoid Scams Like This

Scammers are getting smarter. Farmers are often their targets, especially when dealing in bulk livestock sales. Here are some key ways to avoid falling victim to tricks like the one in Strathaven.

1. Always Verify Cash
Check each note one by one. Never trust bundles tied with rubber bands.

2. Be Extra Vigilant If Money Is Taken Back
This is the critical moment. If a buyer takes back the money for any reason — even briefly — be on high alert. Many scams are pulled off right here.

“The switch usually happens when the bundle is handed back. Always re-count it from scratch as if it were new money,” warned a police officer.

3. Never Hand Over Goods Before Payment Clears
Bank transfers or EcoCash are safer for large deals. Cash handovers carry the highest risk.

4. Meet At Secure Locations
Police-approved markets or bank branches are the safest. Avoid secluded areas.

5. Record Buyer Details
Write down car registration numbers, phone numbers, and IDs before releasing goods. Share them with someone you trust.tic line, so casual readers don’t miss the key takeaway?