Durban - The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has issued a public warning to women about dating scams after receiving numerous complaints in Limpopo.
On Thursday, the Hawks said that according to information received, scam artists are targeting unmarried women including those who are single, recently divorced, widowed, or have inherited valuable assets.
“Scammers pretend to be looking for a wife to marry within a very short space of time. In a short while, they would come up with business proposals where the victims would be promised unbelievable dividends,” said the Hawks.
According to the Hawks, these women would also be required to sell all their valuable assets or withdraw all their money. They would then be requested to make a deposit into certain bank accounts for a lucrative business idea.
“After depositing the money, they will never see or hear from the scammers again. Many victims are left drowning in debt. Most of the scammers are reportedly foreign nationals,” said the directorate.
The Hawks added that some of the victims are also abruptly approached by men who claim to be prophets connected to their ancestors.
“They would tell them information about their upbringing and current lives. Eventually, the victims would be convinced to resign and bring all their pension money for rituals.
The Hawks offered some signs that women should look out for when approached by these men, to avoid being duped by scam artists:
- They look and sound very caring and responsible.
- They always come up with business proposals.
- They do not want their pictures taken.
- They do not want to meet with you in a public place.
- They always hide their identification documents.
- They do not introduce you to their families.
- They want to own everything in a relationship.
- They do not take you to their real house.
- They come up with contradictory stories.