Beware of Valentine’s romance scams

Fraudsters love Valentine’s Day as it is a chance to scam romantics on social media and dating apps.

This was the warning from the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) which urged the public to be vigilant.

Social engineering is rife during this time – which is the act of manipulating, influencing or deceiving a victim to gain control over a computer system to steal personal and financial information.

Scammers use psychological manipulation to trick users into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information.

Head of product development at the SAFPS, Nazia Karrim, says technology is playing an increased role in the majority of reported fraud instances.

“Social engineering is becoming a reality of everyday life and has dire consequences. The public needs to be aware of this growing threat,” said Karrim.

She said a common tactic is to create a fake profile and befriend potential victims, taking great interest in their social lives.

International reports indicate in Europe that up to 3% of the population has fallen victim to romance scams.

“Similar statistics, in terms of percentage increases, are being replicated worldwide,” warns Karrim.

“We cannot take everything and everyone at face value. Scammers have become proficient at creating profiles modelled around the ideal criteria of a person 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.”

Victims can access the scam hotline – 083 1237226 – to report fraud directly to relevant authorities such as banks and SAPS.

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