Authorities are urging the public to never send money to someone they have not met in person. Image: Supplied
Police
1Min
South Africa
Authorities urge South Africans to stay vigilant as scammers exploit trust and emotions to steal money online.
The South African Police Service has warned the public to be careful who they trust online as cases of online romance scams continue to rise.
Police say scammers often create fake identities and build emotional relationships with victims over time. Once trust is established, they begin to ask for money, often claiming to be in urgent situations or emergencies.
According to the SAPS, there are clear red flags to watch out for. These include individuals who avoid video calls, frequently come up with sudden “emergencies,” or repeatedly request financial assistance.
Authorities are urging the public to never send money to someone they have not met in person, no matter how convincing the story may seem.
The South African Police Service encourages anyone who suspects they may be a victim of an online scam to report it immediately by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Police say staying informed and cautious online is key to preventing financial loss and emotional harm.
