Scammers are exploiting romantic connections to defraud elderly women out of their savings. During the National Scam Awareness Week event at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Acting Director of Economic Crime Reshmi Dass reported that there are nearly ten cases currently in the courts related to such schemes. One victim lost approximately $500,000 to a fraudulent romance scheme.
Ms. Dass highlighted that the perpetrators often targeted women aged between 60 and 70, persuading them to share nude photographs under the pretense of romance. After gaining their trust, the scammers would threaten to release these images on social media if the victims refused to send money.
“We have been receiving numerous complaints, particularly from retired women who shared their intimate pictures with these individuals,” Ms. Dass stated. She explained that the scammers manipulated these women into believing that not sending money would lead to professional and personal reputational damage.
The scams involve younger men pretending to be overseas while communicating through WhatsApp. They charm the victims with conversation until they establish a feeling of trust. One particular victim, who was swindled out of $500,000, only realized the scam after discovering the perpetrator was local and had targeted multiple women.
Ms. Dass urged women to be cautious with their personal information online. “Please exercise caution when sharing personal details on social media. If you receive a message from someone you do not know, avoid providing any personal information or sharing photos that could facilitate these types of fraud,” she advised.
Currently, around eight or nine cases against the same suspect are awaiting a court hearing.