Beware of the online dating scams

By Muthoga Kionia

Testimony of how pervasive technology has become in the modern age can be found in how and where we look for potential soulmates. We now seek love and happiness in online and print media bulletin boards.

Some people would cringe at the very idea of finding a life partner on a website or digital bulletin board.

The presence and success of Kenyan online dating sites is, however, proof enough that a substantial number of Kenyans don’t mind using these websites to look for their other half. Therein is the cyber security issue.

No one wants to think that they can be taken advantage of by an Internet dating scam but these forums have become rich hunting grounds for con artists.

Behind that pretty photo of that beautiful woman or handsome man can be a real predator that has downloaded a photo of an unknown model from the internet and is using it to lure you. In essence, what you see is not what you get.

The common modus operandi is to exploit someone’s emotions. After obtaining contact they first build up a victim’s confidence and inevitably ask for money with a bogus story to back it up. There are various red flags that should point out a con.

Attractive profile

The con artists usually create an overly attractive, but vague, profile for themselves. This profile is accompanied by a gorgeous photo. This is usually the first red flag. Another warning is that most scam profiles are based overseas. Often people list their location as being in Nairobi, but when you start talking to them, they reveal they are from overseas.

Another indicator is that e-mail messages change in tone, style or grammar throughout the communication. This evolves over a short time and is easily discernable to an alert reader.

An additional obvious warning is that after a few weeks of communication they suggest a meeting. They say they would really like to meet you but unfortunately they are stranded abroad or have been robbed and beaten. Or they require urgent surgery and you are the only person who can help them. The formula for detecting these scams is simple: Long distance + request for money = SCAM.

The basic advice is never to hand over personal details, such as home address, bank account details or money to someone you have never actually met.

—The writer ([email protected]) is an ICT Security and Forensic Specialist.