Expert reveals key warning signs and safety tips during online dating Nazia Karrim, head of product development at the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service. Picture: Supplied
With more people using dating sites and social media in pursuit of a partner or friendship, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) urges caution as fraudsters and scammers are increasingly using romance scams and social engineering to perpetrate crimes.
According to a recently released survey by Statista, among the top five used dating sites areTinder, Badoo, Bumble, SouthAfricanCupid and DatingBuzz.
Of the 211 people, aged between 18 and 64, that were part of the survey, 61% used Tinder, 44% used Badoo, 19% used Bumble and SouthAfricanCupid respectively, and 17% used DatingBuzz.
In addition, in the online dating market, the number of South Africans users are expected to amount to 7.2 million by 2029.
Nazia Karrim, SAFPS’s head of product development, said social engineering was becoming a reality of everyday life with dire consequences.
Social engineering is the tactic of manipulating, influencing, or deceiving a victim in order to gain control over a computer system, or to steal personal and financial information. It uses psychological manipulation to trick users into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information. Technology is playing an increased role in the majority of the reported fraud. The public needs to be aware of this growing threat.”
Karrim said social engineering exploited a person’s trust to get access to confidential information or money.
“It is about using your behaviour and what you share with the world against you. A common tactic by scammers is to create a fake profile and then befriend potential victims, taking great interest in their social lives.
“International reports point out that in Europe, up to 3% of the general population have fallen victim to romance scams. Finnish police data from 2020 recorded 210 scams with losses totalling €6.1 million. This rose to €10.4 million in 2023. Similar statistics, in terms of percentage increases, are being replicated worldwide.”
Karrim said with the growth of technology and connectivity, engaging with friends via social platforms and online dating had become the norm, and that people should not take everything and every person at face value.
“Scammers have become good at creating profiles modelled around the ideal criteria of a person that most people are looking for in a friend or partner. Once an initial connection is made, the scammer interacts as that person, creating a bond with potential victims.
“The purpose of scammers inserting themselves into the lives of their victims is to pull on their heartstrings. From the basis of a romantic relationship or a friendship where the parties share common ground, scammers will start requesting money for all kinds of things like airtime or data, school uniforms or stationery, or even medical procedures for their children or loved ones. The victim is then led down a path that could have significant financial implications.”
Karrim added that scammers would also often ask someone they have formed a connection with to join them in an investment opportunity that promised significant financial returns that never materialised.
“This can be enticing for people struggling financially or those seeking more from life.”
Karrim said there are a few red flags that potential victims could look out for.
“Scammers become interested in their victims’ lives within a short space of time. However, when a victim wants to take the relationship or friendship to the next level and meet in person, scammers often become evasive, making excuses as to why they can’t meet in person or take a video call.
“Furthermore, be wary about a stranger suddenly becoming interested in information such as significant dates and the names of children and loved ones. It’s important to be cautious about handing over this information to someone you have met online and have never met in person,” she said.
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