As defined by Wikipedia, online dating, also known as internet dating, or mobile app dating, is a method used by people with a goal of searching for and interacting with potential romantic or sexual partners via the internet. This is usually facilitated by online dating service firms using dedicated websites or software applications accessible on personal computers or mobile phones connected to the internet. In some countries, laws are put in place to protect users from sex scammers and fraudsters who frequently use these dating sites to construct fictitious online personas to entice their unsuspecting victims. They often use a made-up name or impersonate real, trustworthy individuals such as military personnel, aid workers, or professionals working abroad. In other countries, such as Singapore for example, the government itself takes up the responsibility of acting as a matchmaker online for singles looking for partners within the country. In some countries, online dating is limited only within the country. In other words, a citizen of such a country cannot engage in online dating with a potential partner resident, for instance, in Nigeria.
In recent times, this seemingly harmless romantic activity has become a source of nightmare for many people across the globe, especially here in Nigeria. Online dating has become a serious problem, with people exposing themselves to the risks of fraud scams, catfishing, stalking and sexual abuse. Falling for an online romance scammer can leave you with a broken heart and an empty bank account. The fraudster’s aim is to use emotional triggers to persuade victims to give them money, gifts or personal details which they use for identity theft. Others lure their victims into a fake sexual relationship only to use them for money-making ritual purposes. Dating or romance scam entails posing as a potential date or love partner on the internet in order to connect with someone. A fake picture of someone exceptionally attractive is frequently used to lure people to respond to love propositions. To lure someone into a scam, a fake profile is built with false information. The creation of a false online identity is known as catfishing. Emails and other messages are exchanged once someone responds or appears receptive to a romantic relationship. Over time, trust is earned. Following the establishment of confidence based on false pretences, solicitations for money or other items begin. Scammers are sweet-tongued and will express intense emotions for you in a short period of time and will advise that you take the connection away from the internet and onto a more private channel, such as phone, email, or WhatsApp.
Only a few days ago, the corpse of a young lady, 23-year-old Miss Precious Yusuf, was found lying along DLA Road in Asaba, Delta State. The police reported that on 22nd October 2024, the late Miss Precious told her friend that she was going to see a male friend she met on a dating website.
She then left the house that day to see the young man somewhere in Asaba and the following morning, she called her friend that she was on her way home. That was the last time they heard from her. This is evidently a sinister, deadly version of a romance scam. A romance scam or online dating scam occurs when a fraudster lures someone into a fake romantic relationship. A scammer will typically use a fake online identity to attract a victim. Once the victim shows interest, the scammer will work to build trust until finally they ask for money or have enough personal information to steal their money or identity. In extreme cases, such as that of poor Miss Precious, the fraudster rapes or murders the victim.
Records have it that dating scam dates back to the 16th century and later developed into what became known as ‘The Spanish Prisoner scam’, or confidence trick, so called because of a fraud perpetrated by a Spanish prisoner against one McKeepsport from Pennsylvania. The confidence trickster tells his victim that he is a wealthy person of high estate who has been imprisoned under a false identity. Some versions had the imprisoned person being an unknown or remote relative of the victim. Supposedly the prisoner cannot reveal his identity without serious repercussions, and is relying on a friend (the trickster) to raise money to secure his release. Then the trickster offers to let the victim put up some of the funds, with a promise of a greater monetary reward upon release of the prisoner, and sometimes the additional reward of marrying a beautiful woman stated to be the prisoner’s daughter. After the victim has turned over the funds, he is informed further difficulties have arisen, and more money is needed. With such explanations, the trickster continues to press for more money until the victim either loses all his money, or declines to put up more funds, or dies.
Of course, it is impossible to stop people from looking for romance and love because it is a natural phenomenon. However, if you choose to meet with someone you found on an online dating site, be sure to always meet in a public place and think about taking someone with you in the first instance to ensure your date is who they say they are. By so doing, you save yourself from heartbreak or death from these ‘romantic’ criminals on the internet.
*Anthony-Spinks writes from Asaba.
