Valentine’s Day Scam Alert: South Africans Warned Against Romance Scams

As Valentine’s Day approaches, fraudsters are ramping up romance scams in South Africa, targeting unsuspecting individuals through social media and dating apps.

The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) has warned South Africans to be extra cautious, as scammers use social engineering tactics to steal personal and financial information.

How Romance Scams Work

Fake Profiles: Scammers create fake online personas, appearing as attractive or successful individuals to lure victims.

Emotional Manipulation: They build emotional connections with victims, gaining trust over weeks or months.

Financial Requests: Once trust is established, they begin asking for money—often for airtime, medical emergencies, school fees, or fake investments.

Identity Theft: Personal details such as birthdays, anniversaries, and loved ones’ names can be used for fraud and impersonation scams.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Avoiding Face-to-Face Meetings: If someone keeps making excuses to avoid video calls or in-person meetups, it’s a major red flag.

Overly Keen Interest in Personal Details: Be cautious if a new acquaintance suddenly asks for personal details, such as your children’s names or key dates.

Too-Good-to-Be-True Investment Offers: Scammers lure victims into fake investment schemes with promises of high returns. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Advance Fee Requests: Scammers may ask for “processing fees” or upfront payments for investments or loans that never materialize.

How to Protect Yourself from Valentine’s Day Scams

Verify Identities: Search for the person’s name and photo online to check if it’s linked to scams.
Never Share Financial or Personal Information: Avoid sharing banking details or sending money to someone you’ve never met in person.
Be Skeptical of Online Relationships: If someone confesses love too quickly or asks for money, it’s a red flag.
Report Scams: If you suspect fraud, report it to SAFPS and your bank immediately.

Final Warning: Stay Safe This Valentine’s Day!

While love is in the air, so are online scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting victims.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying alert and cautious when interacting with strangers online.

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