Dating sites have become gold mines for scammers.
A man, who cannot be named to protect his identity, fell victim to a scam where a man pretended to be an Italian woman.
The relationship escalated to a point where the female impersonator asked that they exchange naked pictures and videos.
The man obliged.
After receiving the pictures, the scammer revealed his gender and demanded payment of 800 US dollars threatening to circulate the naked pictures on social media platforms.
Chinedu Jonathan Madueka was arrested on 14 May and pleaded guilty to charges of fraud and extortion.
The Alexandra Magistrates Court sentenced to seven years on Monday 30 May.
The sentence was wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of fraud and or extortion during the period of suspension.
Prosecutor Lufuno Godfrey Maphiri argued that the accused misrepresented himself, and took advantage of the complainant's feelings. He asked the court to send a strong message that the online scamming of innocent and unsuspecting individuals will not be tolerated. The complainant was satisfied that Madueka pleaded guilty and paid back the money he extorted from him.
"The National Prosecuting Authority commends the collective work done by the investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Oscar William Mopedi from the South African Police Service's Commercial Crimes Unit and Maphiri that resulted in a successful prosecution," said National Prosecuting Authority spokeswoman Phindi Mjonondwane.
