Online dating requires a level of cynicism and awareness at odds with romance and feelings of attraction
Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and watching a couple out on a ‘first date’, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According to global data and business intelligence platform Statista, the number of online dating users in South Africa is expected to reach 6.7 million users by 2028.
This is good news for nervous daters. However, people must be aware of a darker side to online dating. There are many romance scams targeting potential victims. According to Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) statistics, the value of romance and business email compromise scams in 2022 was R125 million.
Romance scams originate with the victim being romantically manipulated via online dating websites or apps. Additionally, victims can also be targeted by scammers who are introduced to victims by people the victims believe are friends. Such scams increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when South Africans felt the impact of being isolated.
However, opening up over internet dating platforms does create a comfort zone where people don’t always do the necessary security checks around who they are interacting with.
Beware of false connections
The modus operandi that scammers use is simple. They become interested in your life and interests while being vague about theirs. Once the trust has been established and romantic emotions have started to develop, scammers typically present their victims with a sad tale intended to pull on the heartstrings. This story is followed by a request for money to help pay for a sick relative’s care or school fees.
It is important to note that romance scams are not the only way people are being swindled out of their money. They are also increasingly used as a gateway to run other scams. Additionally, scammers are running investment scams and business scams using their victims to target their family, friends or co-workers.
How can this be combatted?
Increased vigilance is paramount in online dating. Conduct full background checks, including criminal (police clearance) and identity verification on anyone you are dating to see if their online presence matches the information they gave you. Additionally, suggest an in-person meeting; if they are reluctant or evasive, this should be a major red flag.
These scams are being run by well-funded syndicates that are well trained in the scams they run, so it can be challenging to identify a scam without additional tools.
Text | Nazia Karrim
Photography | Pla2na
Nazia Karrim is Head of Product Development at the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). Use their Yima scams vulnerability scanner, which is available at yima.org.za.
