Bibitayo E. Ojo1
Going down memory lane, those dating days might have been even worse if I had not been a fan of data privacy. I’ll tell you straight up that millions of individuals use online dating services, and some couples have even met their soul mates online. Is that good news? The unfortunate news is that millions of others have also been duped while finding love
According to research, dating scams cost the world $218 million in 2022, with a startling $16.8 million in 1,129 instances of fraud coming from Nigeria.[i]
Therefore, it’s crucial to practice safe online behavior and privacy protection when searching for love online.
What is Romance Scam?
A romance scam occurs when a con artist deceives a victim into entering a phony love arrangement. To obtain money or enough personal information to steal their identity under pretenses or to perpetrate fraud against the victim, scammers frequently use a spurious online identity to win their victim’s trust.
How Romance Scam Works?
Online dating services are a common venue for romance scams, but con artists may also reach out via social media or email. They’ve even been known to call their victims to introduce themselves. These frauds are frequently referred to as “catfishing.”
Usually, scammers fabricate online personas that are meant to seduce you. They might use a fictitious name or pretend to be someone they’re not, such as a member of the armed forces, an aid worker, or a foreign-based professional.
Romance con artists will express intense feelings for you in a short amount of time and advise you to transfer the connection off the website and into a more private medium, such as phone, email, or instant messaging. They frequently claim to be chatting from a different country.
He can go to any length to win your trust by showering you with loving words, disclosing sensitive personal details, and even giving you presents. Until the prey is consumed, the relationship may last months and feel like the romance of a lifetime.
How To Stay Safe Online?
• Exercise due diligence by checking the person’s profile and photo using online searches to discover whether the content has already been utilized elsewhere else. You can use Google’s reverse image search to find out where and from where an image originated.
• Take things carefully and never rush into internet friendships or relationships.
• Be wary if someone encourages you to leave a social media or dating site for a face-to-face meeting.
• An individual who promises to meet in person but will always come up with an excuse why he or she can’t meet up is likely to be deceptive; beware.
• Refrain from sending someone you met online money, prepaid gift cards, or bitcoin right away.
Legal Consequence of Romance Scam
Even if you believe the victim benefited from the scam by taking your time and energy, romance fraud is a serious offense. On Monday, February 13, 2023, Justice Abdul Dogo of the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, convicted and sentenced one Abah Stephen to two years in prison with a fine of five hundred thousand Naira for a romance scam.[ii
It cannot be overemphasized that romance scam is an offense punishable under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015[iii]
How To Complain About Romance Scam In Nigeria?
Stop all contact immediately if you suspect an online relationship is a scam. If you are a victim of a romance scam, you should file a complaint with the Nigerian Police Special Fraud Unit or consult with a lawyer.
[i] A legal practitioner with a keen interest in Data Privacy and protection https://ng.linkedin.com/in/bibitayo-emmanuel-ojo-a25208128
[ii]Nigeria Ranks Second On Countries With Romance Scam With 1,129 Reports, $16.8million Fraud< https://saharareporters.com/2021/09/07/nigeria-ranks-second-countries-romance-scam-1129-reports-168million-fraud>
[iii] Man Jailed for Romance Scam in Makurdi https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/news-and-information/news-release/8887-man-jailed-for-romance-scam-in-makurdi-2
[iv] Section 14 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and
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