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SSS again warns the public against Sweetheart or Romance Scams.
These scams involve fraudsters who deceive individuals to exploit their emotions for financial gain
by pretending to be interested in a romantic relationship. They often start by building trust and affection
through online interactions on dating websites or social media platforms.
However, in our most recent case, the perpetrator had a one-on-one relationship with the victim.
He courted her and won her over in a matter of weeks.
Eventually, the scammer fabricates a crisis or requests financial assistance,
taking advantage of the victim's goodwill.
It is essential to be cautious when forming online relationships and to verify the identity and
intentions of individuals before sharing personal or financial information.
RECENT CASE:
Our client reported that his mother began a romantic relationship with a Tanzanian national in 2022.
The individual convinced his mother to resign from her teaching position in September of the previous year, claiming it was for early retirement.
During their relationship, the Tanzanian national introduced her to someone he claimed was a relative.
When her pension funds matured, the individual promised marriage and advised her to use the funds to buy a house.
Subsequently, he persuaded her to withdraw substantial amounts of money for supposed rituals involving ancestral blessings, which he claimed would increase her wealth.
They went to open new bank accounts, and she transferred approximately R560,000.00.
Large cash withdrawals ranging from R200,000.00 to R300,000.00 were later made from these accounts between late March and April 2024, depleting her savings.
His mother only admitted that her funds were gone in June after her children noticed her withdrawn behaviour.
Efforts to locate the individual were unsuccessful, as he had vacated their residence, leaving the mother with debts and severe financial distress.
Our client has bank statements detailing the withdrawals, along with contacts and addresses associated with the perpetrator.
The perpetrator is known in the community where he lived up until recently.
Despite these circumstances, local authorities declined to pursue a criminal case due to insufficient evidence.
The scenario described is a classic example of a Sweetheart Scam, where an individual exploits another person's emotions, trust, and affection for financial gain.
Here are several red flags that indicate this is a Sweetheart Scam:
Quick Progression in Relationship:
The perpetrator quickly escalated the relationship with the victim, pushing her towards significant life decisions such as resigning from her job and making financial commitments.
Financial Manipulation:
He persuaded her to withdraw substantial amounts of money under false pretences, claiming it was for rituals or investments that would yield significant returns.
Isolation from Family and Friends:
Victims of Sweetheart Scams are often isolated from their support networks, which makes it easier for the scammer to manipulate and control them.
Unverifiable Background and Stories:
The scammer's background and stories are often difficult or impossible to verify.
In this case, the perpetrator's claims about his house and relationships were found to be false upon investigation.
Unexpected Financial Requests:
Requests for money for emergencies, investments, or rituals without verifiable proof are common tactics used by Sweetheart Scammers to drain their victim's finances.
Reluctance to Meet in Person or Provide Personal Details:
Scammers may avoid meeting in person or providing consistent personal details, making it difficult for their victims to verify their identity or intentions.
Unusual Financial Transactions:
Large cash withdrawals and transfers to new bank accounts, especially without a clear and legitimate reason, are warning signs of potential financial exploitation.
Unexplained Disappearances:
When the scammer suddenly disappears or becomes unreachable, leaving the victim in financial distress and emotional turmoil, it often signifies that the relationship was fraudulent from the beginning.
Victims of Sweetheart Scams often suffer not only financial losses but also emotional trauma and a sense of betrayal.
It is crucial to remain vigilant, verify information from multiple sources, and seek advice from trusted friends or family members before making significant financial decisions or commitments in any relationship.
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM YOURSELF OR IF YOU THINK ANYONE YOU CARE FOR
IS IN A SIMILAR AND VULNERABLE SITUATION, CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS IMMEDIATELY.
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.
This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:
Follow the link to our WhatsApp group:
"JOIN" to ensure you never miss our daily updates.
You will receive automatic notifications as soon as a new project is posted.
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
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Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
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