Watch out for Catfishing this Valentine’s Day
As Valentine’s Day arrives, South Africans are being urged to stay alert to cyber scammers looking to exploit the season of love. Experts warn that this time of year often sees a rise in online fraud, particularly in the form of catfishing – where individuals create fake identities to build relationships under false pretences.
Speaking to Hot 1027, Julie Noizeux Inder, Channel Manager for South Africa at Fortinet, highlighted that romance scams tend to spike around Valentine’s Day. “Commonly, it’ll be a romantic relationship, which is why we’re talking about this today,” she explained. “Scammers know how to emotionally manipulate people, and it often starts off innocently before developing into something more serious.”
How Catfishing Can Affect You
Catfishing scams can involve financial loss, but Julie warns that the impact isn’t always monetary. “Sometimes it can be psychological. Someone you no longer want contact with may create a fake profile to re-engage with you,” she said. “This can be emotionally damaging and invasive.”
Contrary to popular belief, falling victim to catfishing isn’t limited to the gullible. “Absolutely not,” Julie emphasised. “People from all walks of life can be vulnerable, especially during times of loneliness or emotional hardship. Scammers know exactly what to say and how to build trust.”
The scam often begins with small requests, such as help paying a phone bill, and can escalate to significant financial losses over time. “We’ve heard of cases involving millions of rands,” Julie noted.
To protect yourself, experts recommend limiting the personal information you share online and adjusting your privacy settings. If someone you don’t know contacts you out of the blue, consider it a red flag. This Valentine’s Day, we urge you to prioritise your safety and ensure your search for love doesn’t turn into a costly heartbreak.
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