SAPS – Don’t let a scamster break your heart (and bank balance) this Valentine’s Day
Residents are urged to be cautious, as scammers target people through dating apps and social media, using trust and emotional manipulation to defraud victims of money and personal information.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Reiger Park SAPS urged community members to be alert to ongoing dating and romance scams.
Spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga said these scams have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals deliberately targeting people seeking companionship through dating apps and social media platforms.
How dating scams begin
Msimanga explained that dating scams often start with what appears to be a genuine and harmless connection.
“Scammers usually present themselves as caring, financially stable and emotionally available. They often claim to be widowed or divorced, or to work in professional fields, such as engineering, construction, medicine or the military,” he said.
He added that scammers invest time in building trust, carefully studying their victims and tailoring conversations to sound believable and emotionally engaging.
“Profile photographs are usually stolen from real people, and communication is controlled to create a strong emotional attachment. Victims are made to feel valued, understood and special in a short period of time.”
The calculated manipulation
Once an emotional bond is established, the scammer introduces a problem or crisis.
“This is when requests for financial assistance begin. Scammers might claim medical emergencies, business setbacks, frozen bank accounts or the need for money to travel and meet the victim in person.
“In many cases, victims are instructed to send money but are, in reality, controlled by scammers, who rely on emotional manipulation rather than force. They exploit trust and affection to gain access to victims’ finances,” he said
Why victims struggle to break free
The Reiger Park SAPS said many victims find it difficult to disengage, even when warning signs become apparent. Emotional attachment, fear of embarrassment and the hope that the relationship is genuine often prevent victims from walking away.
“Scammers frequently isolate victims by discouraging them from speaking to family or friends, claiming that others would not understand the relationship or are trying to interfere. This isolation is one of the strongest indicators of a romance scam.”
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The impact on victims
According to Msimanga, the effects of dating scams extend far beyond financial loss.
“Victims often suffer emotional distress, loss of confidence and long-term psychological trauma. In some cases, individuals lose savings intended for education, retirement or family support.
“Romance scams leave deep emotional scars. Many victims blame themselves, which prevents them from reporting the crime,” he said.
Prevention and awareness
Msimanga urged residents to be cautious when engaging in online relationships. He stressed that a legitimate partner w never ask for money, banking details or copies of personal documents before meeting in person.
“Community members should avoid sharing sensitive information, question urgent financial requests and verify identities through video calls and in-person meetings whenever possible.
“Anyone who suspects they are being targeted by a dating or romance scam should immediately stop all communication and report the matter to the SAPS.
“Preserving evidence, such as messages, transaction records and online profile details, can assist police investigations.
“This Valentine’s Day, we urge the community to protect their hearts and their finances. Love should never come with secrecy, pressure or financial demands,” said Msimanga.
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