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Protecting Yourself and Those You Care About from Love Scams
In the digital age, the quest for love has migrated to online platforms, offering both opportunities for genuine connections and fertile ground for deception. Like many other nations, Singapore has witnessed a surge in internet romance scams, where perpetrators exploit vulnerabilities to commit financial fraud under the guise of affection.
As of December 2022, these scams have victimised 868 individuals in Singapore, amounting to a staggering loss of S$35.7 million.
Understanding Internet Love Scams
Internet love scams represent a sinister iteration of romance scams, characterised by emotional manipulation and financial exploitation. These scams often involve fictitious personas crafting complex stories to solicit money or engage victims in illicit activities.
In some cases, perpetrators leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-powered deepfake video or audio technology. Despite these evolving tactics, many cybercriminals still adhere to familiar scam patterns.
Signs to Watch Out For
In the intricate realm of online courtship, it's essential to remain vigilant for red flags indicative of deception:
Hasty Declarations of Affection: Beware of individuals professing love prematurely and employing extravagant gestures to manipulate emotions.
Avoiding Video Calls: Scrutinise excuses for evading video calls, as genuine connections warrant face-to-face interaction.
Fabricated Hardship Stories: Exercise scepticism towards stories of adversity aimed at eliciting sympathy and financial assistance.
Gifts as Manipulative Tools: Treat unsolicited gifts from online acquaintances with caution, as they may serve as tactics to foster trust and dependence.
Protecting Your Heart and Wallet
In the intricate realm of online courtship, it's crucial to stay vigilant for red flags indicative of deception:
Share with Care: Be mindful when sharing personal details online, as oversharing can inadvertently provide ammunition for scammers. Strengthen your online defences by configuring social media profiles to private mode, limiting access to potential scammers.
Exercise Caution Online: Remain wary of unsolicited messages prompting immediate action or seeking sensitive information, as these could be phishing attempts. Prioritise video calls to establish genuine connections and confirm the identity of your online counterpart.
Utilise Reverse Image Search: Verify the authenticity of profile pictures by conducting reverse image searches, uncovering instances of identity theft or fabrication.
Practise Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before engaging in financial transactions or investment opportunities. Refrain from allowing others to utilise your bank account for dubious transactions, as unwittingly facilitating money laundering can have severe legal repercussions.
As per Singapore’s National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), always refer to this framework when in doubt. Remember: Ask, check, and confirm (ACC) before you invest.
In the daze of online love, it's vital to stay watchful. By remaining cognisant of the warning signs and taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information, individuals can navigate the digital landscape with greater resilience and confidence.
Stay Safe, Stay Secure
Passionate about combating scams like this one and safeguarding individuals from online threats? Take your commitment further and become a cybersecurity professional.
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