LIMPOPO police have cautioned public members, especially women, about dating scams after receiving numerous complaints around the province.
According to Captain Matimba Maluleke, women who were recently divorced or widowed were being targeted by scammers, pretending to be looking for a good wife to marry within a short space of time.
“In a short while, they would come up with business proposals where victims would be promised unbelievable dividends. They would also be required to sell all their valuable assets or withdraw their monies and make a deposit into the bank accounts that they would be provided with, in order to start a lucrative-looking business idea,” Maluleke said in a statement.
He added that after depositing the money, they would then never see or hear from scammers again.
“Many victims are left drowning in debt. Most scammers are reportedly foreign nationals,” Maluleke said.
Cops have shared the following tips to help women identify possible dating scammers:
- They look and sound very caring and responsible.
- They always come up with a business proposal.
- They do not want their photos to be taken.
- They do not want to meet with you in a public place.
- They always hide their identification documents.
“If you can come across someone who has some of the above traits, know that it could be a possible scammer. You better run away from them before they run away with your money or assets that you have worked hard for,” Maluleke said.
