From Cyprus Police
Fraudsters target nominee victims via dating sites, but they can also use social media or emails to get in touch with their potential victims.
What are the indications?
- Someone you recently met over the internet says he has strong feelings for you, asking you to communicate privately.
- Their messages are often poorly worded and unclear.
- Their online profile is not consistent with what they are telling you.
- They may ask you to send your personal photos or videos.
- Primarily gain your trust. They then ask you for money, gifts or bank account or credit card details.
- If you do not send the money, they may try to blackmail you. If you send them, they will ask for more.
What can you do;
- Be very careful with the personal information you share in social media and web-based web sites.
- Always take into account the dangers. Fraudsters are present on the most trusted websites.
- Do not rush to answer and ask questions.
- Look for the photo and profile of the person who has approached you to see if this material has been used elsewhere.
- Be especially careful about typographical mistakes, grammar and syntax errors, inconsistencies in their stories, and excuses such as the fact that their camera is out of order.
- Do not share any material that could be used to blackmail you.
- If you agree to meet yourself privately, tell your family and friends about your destination.
- Pay close attention to money transfer requests. Do not ever send money, do not give it
your credit card, your bank account, your e-banking codes, or copies of your personal documents.
- Avoid sending financial advances.
- Do not transfer money to someone else: money laundering is a criminal offense.
Are you a victim?
- Do not feel embarrassed!
- Stop any form of communication.
- If possible, keep all your communication history, such as chat messages.
- Submit a complaint to the police.
Report the event on the website where the fraudster approached you for the first time If you provided your bank account information, contact the bank you are working with.
