Ghana has experienced a rise in social vices, including mobile money fraud and petty theft. However, another alarming trend gaining momentum is the prevalence of romance scams.
This insidious phenomenon knows no boundaries, as anyone can fall victim to it.
To prevent more people from becoming targets, certified investigator and fraud examiner Ransford Nana Addo Jr. has shared valuable insights on how individuals can recognize if they are being lured into this crime.
During an appearance on Joy FM's Super Morning Show, Mr. Addo Jr. emphasized the diverse nature of romance scams.
He highlighted that scammers primarily gather information about their targets by meticulously studying their social media profiles.
Once armed with this information, the fraud examiner explained that scammers initiate unsolicited calls or text messages to their targets.
But their tactics don't end there. According to Mr. Addo Jr., scammers go on to establish a friendship with the target. Once this bond is formed, they proceed to fabricate a shared narrative, creating the illusion of a genuine connection.
“As time goes on, they gradually gain your trust, and you may unknowingly disclose personal information,” indicated the certified investigator.
Mr. Addo Jr. further highlighted that once the scammer has solidified the relationship, they orchestrate an emergency situation, such as a sick relative in need of financial assistance, or an even more dire circumstance. Following this, they start avoiding contact with their victims.
This manipulative approach is used to extort money from the victims. “When they avoid you, you become concerned and want to help solve their problem. That's when you start sending money to their account, and they withdraw it,” stated the fraud examiner on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Additionally, Mr. Addo Jr. underscored that romance scammers commonly evade physical meetings, citing it as a red flag. “They will always find excuses not to meet you. Consider this a warning sign,” he cautioned.
Furthermore, the expert noted that these “predators” strive to build an emotional connection with their targets. Once established, it becomes challenging for victims to go a day without interacting with them.
One thing is clear: once a scammer gains control over their target, extorting money becomes easier.
