A 60-year-old teacher in Polokwane has fallen victim to a dating scam, losing more than R800,000 of her hard-earned pension money.
The incident has raised concerns about the rapid increase in dating scam incidents in Limpopo, prompting the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to issue a warning to women in the area.
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The Hawks spokesperson, Lt-Col Matimba Maluleke, shared details about the teacher’s unfortunate experience.
According to the victim, she met the suspect at a shopping complex in Polokwane earlier this year. The suspect allegedly proposed love to the teacher, who was due to retire at the age of 60 in June.
As the victim awaited her pension payout in September, she visited the suspect at his rented house in Ivy Park. It was during this visit that she was taken to a room to be introduced to her ancestors.
Inside the room, the victim claimed to have heard a voice informing her that her suffering was over and that she had R3.8 million waiting for her.
Exploiting the victim’s vulnerability, the suspect continuously urged her to redeem her supposed R3.8 million. Believing the scammer’s claims, the teacher paid R800,000 to the suspect. However, her suspicions grew when she returned to his home and found it empty. Neighbours informed her that the suspect had already left, taking his belongings with him.
Lt-Col Matimba Maluleke highlighted the prevalence of dating scam frauds reported to the Hawks. He urged potential victims, especially well-off single and widowed women, to exercise caution.
Scammers often target women with stable jobs, convincing them to resign, as well as those who have recently acquired assets or are in business, presenting them with fake proposals that require funding. Additionally, women who have inherited wealth, are about to retire or are widows are also at risk.
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Protecting Yourself from Dating Scams
While it is disheartening to hear stories of individuals falling victim to scams, it is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect oneself. Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a victim of dating scams:
- Be sceptical of individuals who approach you online or in person with extravagant promises or claims of wealth.
- Do thorough research on the person before getting emotionally invested.
- Never send money to someone you have not met in person and trust.
- Be cautious of individuals who try to isolate you from friends and family.
- Report any suspicious activity or individuals to the relevant authorities.
By staying informed and alert, we can collectively combat dating scams and protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial and emotional harm.
