February: don't make it special for a romance scammer!

February: don't make it special for a romance scammer!February month brings a rise in romance scammers. Here's how to protect yourself, and avoid falling victim online.

by Francois Jansen

23-01-2024 21:10

in Culture

Catfished: Potential signs of a romance scammer

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February month brings a rise in romance scammers, as there could be more people online looking for love and simple human connection. Criminals and fraudsters are ready to exploit people at any point in the year, but the month of love' makes some types of scams more likely to hook their victims.

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ALSO READ: Catfished: Potential signs of a romance scammer

Could you accidentally fall prey to a romance scammer or so-called catfish?

Here's what you should know about February's most common scams, and how to protect yourself.

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February month brings rise in romance scammers More than 100 people lost big in romance scams, says a press release from the South African Police Service (SAPS). An estimated $100 million went to romance scams, quoting from information posted by the FBI.

ALSO READ: SASSA warns against website fraud: How to avoid scammers

February month brings a notorious rise in these types of crimes.

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More people are looking for online connections, and scammers take advantage of this pattern to snare victims.

If an online connection spikes near the month of love, think twice, and don't send cash!

February: the month of love and SAPS The month of love could also be the month of heightened scam activity.

More people are willing to love in February, but also more willing to spend on love when asked. This could mean that you're walking into a scam - especially if you've never met them before.

ALSO READ: LOTTO warns of SMS scammers

The South African Police Service advises treating connections with a grain of salt. Think twice before trusting, believing, or just going with' what someone says.

Safety tips for online dating Online dating?

Make sure that safety comes first.

ALSO READ: Presidency: What would YOU tell the President of South Africa?

Never meet up with someone alone; decline requests for money from someone you don't know. Verify all information that someone tells you online, and don't trust someone just because you love them.

Don't make the month of love something special for a scammer!

READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN ( ALEX J COYNE')

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