Dating scams and scammers are common in today’s online dating world.
Sea Point police have cautioned people to be vigilant when using these websites to avoid becoming victims of crime.
According to Capt Cyril Dicks, communications officer at the Sea Point Police Station, they have received several complaints in recent weeks from people who have fallen prey to scammers via dating websites.
Dicks says in most cases, the victim and the perpetrator meet up for dinner and drinks, after which the victim would be lured to a venue where other men would be waiting.
Dicks says: “The victim is then either threatened or drugged and then robbed of cash or even in some instances taken to a nearby ATM to withdrawn cash.
“All the victims that have fallen prey to these encounters are hesitant to open criminal cases due to the sensitivity or are tourists in the area and have to leave the country before the entire case has been finalised in court.”
Dicks caution’s people to be vigilant.
“The Sea Point Police Station would like to warn our fellow citizens and tourists of such activity and for them to be cautious when they want to make use of these websites.”
Grant Hinds, tech and gaming content creator, says while dating websites can be a fun way to meet new people, those using the apps should always be alert.
“Before going onto a dating app, it is good to know what you want. A lot of people go on dating apps just because they are lonely. That is a dangerous mindset to enter meeting up with people. It is right for meeting people who are fraudulent. Or people that will exploit you for money. If you know what you want, you are less likely to be a victim of those kinds of crimes.”
Hinds says he met his wife via a dating website three years ago.
“Three years ago, I was trying out all the new dating apps. There’s Tinder, Hinge, Bumble. It is about choosing which dating app. Hinge is more for if you are looking for a long-term relationship. So, Hinge is text-driven. You don’t see photos. You have to spend more energy, effort and creativity on your profile. My wife and I met via Hinge. I responded to a question she posed and that is how it started.”
Jessica Hinds, tech content creator, says there is a range of dating apps, each with its prerequisites.
“It depends on what you are looking for. A few years ago, dating apps were different to now. We have friends who are on dating apps currently and it’s quite different. If you are looking for a hook-up, it’s fine! But if you are looking for a long-term relationship, it might be a bit harder now.”
She also shares a few safety tips.
- If you meet someone for the first time, meet in public and let a friend know.
- Check someone’s social media to make sure they are who they say they are.
- Share your location on WhatsApp.
- The first date should be planned as a short date in the middle of the day, in a place where a woman can comfortably leave.
- Meet for a morning coffee.
- When their biography is more of a shopping list of what they want or what they are looking for instead of being about them, that is a huge red flag.
