Amanzimtoti police station warns of dating scams | #whatsapp | #lovescams | #phonescams


THE police station’s communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, warns the public, especially women, about dating scams after receiving numerous complaints.

“According to the available information, women who are recently divorced, widowed, who have inherited valuable assets or have a stable job, but are unmarried, are targeted by these scammers who pretend to be looking for a good wife to marry within a very short space of time.”

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“In a short while, they come up with business proposals where the victims are promised unbelievable dividends,” said Van der Spuy.

She said they are also required to sell all their valuable assets or withdraw all their money and make a deposit into the bank accounts provided by the scammer in order to start a lucrative-looking business idea.

“After successfully depositing the money, they will never see or hear from the scammer again. Many victims are left drowning in heavy debts. Most of the scammers are reportedly foreign nationals,” said Van der Spuy.

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She says some of the victims are abruptly approached by men who claim to be prophets connected to their ancestors. They tell the women everything about their upbringing and current lives.

But, eventually, the victims are convinced to resign and bring all their pension money to the altar for rituals. Van der Spuy says women are advised to stay away from scammers who will come into their lives in the name of ‘love’.

The tips she provided to help women identify possible dating scammers, include:

  • They look and sound very caring and responsible.
  • They always come up with business proposals.
  • They do not want their pictures to be taken.
  • They do not want to meet with you in a public place.
  • They do not introduce you to their families.
  • They want to own everything in a relationship.

Van der Spuy added that if you come across someone who has some of the above traits, you should know that it could be a possible scammer.

“You’d better run away from them before they run away with all your money or assets that you have worked hard for,” she said.

 

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