With the rapid expansion of internet access and the rising popularity of social networks, South Africa has found itself grappling with the same challenges as many other countries in this regard.

“Scammers are increasingly using romance schemes to manipulate and deceive victims into gaining access to their personal and financial information,” said Elmi Kemp, Communications Lead at SAFPS. “They often use social engineering tactics, exploiting what people share online to build a false sense of trust. Once they have established a bond with the victim, they may fabricate stories of financial hardship or request money directly.”

Experts suggest that these scams are particularly dangerous because they prey on individuals’ emotions and vulnerabilities. The scammers often pose as someone who shares similar interests or life goals, creating an illusion of a perfect match. The ultimate aim is to manipulate the victim into sending money or sharing sensitive personal details, which can be used for further fraudulent activity.

Authorities have urged South Africans to be cautious when meeting people online and to avoid sharing sensitive information with individuals they have not met in person. The SAFPS also encourages anyone who suspects they are a victim of such a scam to report it immediately to prevent further harm.

--ChannelAfrica--