An influx of complaints about online dating scams has prompted Amanzimtoti SAPS to issue a warning to the community, especially women, to be cautious of lurking predators.
Communications officer at Amanzimtoti SAPS, Captain Charlene Van der Spuy, said: “According to the available information, women who are recently divorced, widowed, have inherited valuable assets or have a stable job but are unmarried are targeted by these scammers who would pretend to be looking for a good wife to marry within a very short space of time. “In a short while, they would come up with business proposals where the victims would be promised unbelievable dividends. Victims would also be required to sell all their valuable assets or withdraw all their monies and make a deposit into bank accounts that they would be provided with in order to start a lucrative-looking business idea.”
After successfully depositing the money, victims will never see or hear from the scammers again. Many victims are left drowning in heavy debts. “Most of the scammers are reportedly foreign nationals. Some of the victims are abruptly approached by men who would claim to be prophets connected to their ancestors. They would tell them everything about their upbringing and current lives. Eventually, the victims would be convinced to resign and bring all their pension money to the altar for rituals,” said Cpt Van der Spuy.
Women are advised to stay away from the scammers who will come into their lives in the name of love. Police provided some tips to help women identify possible dating scammers.
– They look and sound very caring and responsible.
– They always come up with business proposals.
– They do not want their pictures to be taken.
– They do not want to meet with you in a public place.
– They always hide their identification documents.
– They do not introduce you to their families.
– They want to own everything in the relationship.
– They do not take you to their real house.
– They always come up with contradictory stories. “If you come across someone who has some of the above traits, you should know that it could be a possible scammer. You better run away from them before they run away with all your money or assets that you have worked hard for,” Cpt Van der Spuy added.
