A romance scam is a type of online fraud or scam where fraudsters create fake identities, usually on dating sites, social media, or unsolicited emails to establish intimate relationships with their targets. The scammers then exploit the victims’ trust to extort something valuable such as money, property, or investments.
The Authority, in a statement dated June 12, 2023, advised the public to avoid sending money or providing financial assistance to someone they only met online.
It also urged the citizenry to avoid sharing personal details such as full name, address or financial information with someone they have only met online.
“Be wary of individuals who quickly express strong emotional interest or attachment or make ambitious promises. Avoid sharing your nude pictures or compromising images. Use reverse internet images search services like https//images.google.com and https//tineye.com to ascertain if the person’s profile picture (s) appear elsewhere online”, the Authority further advised.
How people are scammed:
According to the Authority, scammers create attractive and convincing profiles on dating sites or social media platforms using impersonated information.
Secondly, they conduct extensive research on their potential victims based on the targets’ online habits such as social media posts, before engaging them.
The Authority further stated that the scammers’ then exploit the vulnerabilities of their targets, such as loneliness, insecurity, or previous traumatic experience to build an emotional connection with them.
“They use flattery, alluring compliments and affectionate messages to gain their target’s love, affection, and trust. Once trust has been established, the scammers ask for money using various excuses such as medical expenses, business transactions, and travel costs to exploit the victims’ desire to help”, it added.
The Authority has therefore advised the public to be mindful of the activities of cyber scammers in the name of romance.
A romance scam is a type of online fraud or scam where fraudsters create fake identities, usually on dating sites, social media, or unsolicited emails, to establish intimate relationships with their targets. The scammers then exploit the victims’ trust to extort something valuable such as money, property, or investments.
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