As online dating and social media interactions rise during the season of love, cybercriminals are intensifying their deceptive tactics to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals.
Head of Fraud Risk Management at Standard Bank, Adv. Athaly Khan, says cybercriminals are becoming more advanced with their use of manipulation techniques, which include vishing or sending malicious links on chat platforms. These methods put victims in a delicate situation where they disclose their sensitive information or perform actions that work towards the advantage of the scammer.
“From the cases we’ve handled, scammers often initiate contact on online platforms by expressing romantic interest. Once a connection is established, the scammer fabricates urgent financial or personal crises to manipulate their target into sending money or disclosing sensitive information. These scams can lead not only to severe financial losses but also emotional distress and long-lasting trust issues,” she said.
The tactics listed below are common among scammers:
- Vishing: Scammers make use of phone calls or voice messages to trick individuals into transferring money or giving personal details.
- Phishing: Scammers share an email that looks like it is from a legitimate source, with a malicious link prompting the receiver to click on it.
- Malware: Scammers make use of a harmful software that is designed to cause disruption and grant them unauthorised access to other people’s devices. This is usually shared as links on texts or emails.
Below are some tips on how to avoid falling victim:
- Keep your banking and personal information safe. Never share it with someone you’ve met online, no matter how trustworthy they seem, and never transfer money to help with their so-called “crisis”.
- Be cautious of suspicious emails, especially those containing links, even if they appear legitimate. Only download applications from credible App Stores.
“We’re all for fairytales but remember, fraud is no fairytale. Scammers prey on people’s vulnerability while searching for love,” Adv. Khan concluded.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
clement@mahareng.co.za
