Article

Cameroonian youths, their attractions to scamming and strategies to divert attention

W. A. Abia^1,2*, D. M. Jato^1,2, P. A. Agejo¹, E. A. Abia¹, G.  E. Njuacha^1,2, D. A. Amana¹, L. K. Akebe^1,2, A. S. J. Takang¹ and D. O. Ekuri¹

¹Division of Action Against Fraud And Social Insecurity, Department of Education and Extension Programmes, Headquarters Secretariat, Integrated Health for All Foundation (IHAF), P. O. Box 31717, Biyem-Assi, Yaounde, Centre Region, Cameroon.

²Division of Risk Assessment, Department of Education and Extension Programmes, Headquarters Secretariat, Integrated Health for All Foundation (IHAF), P. O. Box 31717, Biyem-Assi, Yaounde, Centre Region, Cameroon.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: ihafcam@yahoo.com. Tel: (237) 2211 7903.

Accepted 25 May, 2010

   Introduction

Internet crime is a worldwide problem and all nations are susceptible. Rumour holds it that the incidence is high in some parts of Cameroon. We were able to find out the extent to which students are involved in internet crimes and its present and future impacts on Cameroonian youths and the nation, in addition to proposing civil society intervention strategy to re-enforce existing initiatives to fight against scamming. Questionnaires were administered to 500 students (respecting gender balance) of 3 populated schools in Bamenda randomly and 386 students provided responses. Students (91%) were aware of internet crimes and frauds commonly referred to as “scamming”. Students (53%) were informed by friends some of whom (15%) were scammers, even in Form 1 (5%). Students (95%) made friends with scammers for financial and material reasons. Scammers (65%) lost focus on education and eventually dropout of school when attempts to corrupt teachers failed. Scamming tarnishes the image of a country while increasing crime rates, madness and mysterious deaths. Concerted efforts of government and the civil society are needed to avoid future damages. Scamming is a common practice in Bamenda Cameroon with unacceptable consequences both to youths and the nation; however, future damages can be avoided.

Key words: Cyber crimes (scamming), students (youths), school dropouts, unemployment, poverty, civil society, government, Cameroon.