Dating site warning follows spike in victims
WOMEN seeking love online are warned to
be wary of fraudulent Casanovas who prey on their vulnerability
Brighton Beach police station in durban has received numerous reports of women
who have become victims of fraudsters or syndicates operating on dating
sites. As friendships grow between the men and their victim, they start
requesting money for data bundle purchases, then mobile airtime purchases.
Pictures are often exchanged, which predominantly represent white men
in their 30 said Brighton communications officer, Captain Louise
Le Roux.
There is no specific, age, race or marital status that is targeted by
these con artists; they prey on the any vulnerability of women seeking
companionship. Explicit pictures are often exchanged, which the
fraudsters sell to other websites.
Once the fraudsters have gained the womens trust, Le Roux said they
often relate a tale of personal hardship, such as ill health, or the
ill health of a family member, or a car in need of repair, asking their
victim to deposit money in a bank account to help them with the problem.
Cpt Le Roux urges women to read the terms and conditions stipulated on
dating sites as these cases are often a civil matter, not criminal
matter.
Women should also not forget that this stranger who has become their
new friend could be a sexual predator, and divulging information such
as your place of employment or even your residential address exposes
you to the dangers of sexual assault, said Cpt Le Roux.