An image of EFCC logo, as EFCC arrests 192 foreigners for alleged internet romance scam.
The rise of internet romance scam has created a new form of fraud that preys on emotions, amid growing concerns. Romantic relationships formed online have become the perfect cover for scammers seeking to exploit vulnerable individuals, experts say.

Scammers often use social media platforms, like Instagram and WhatsApp, to gain the trust of their victims. Once the scammer establishes a connection, they manipulate their target into sending money for false reasons.

Internet romance scam has become a global problem, with foreign nationals and local accomplices working together to exploit love. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has just announced arrest of 192 foreign nationals, indicating a growing threat.

The suspects, mostly Chinese, Filipino, and other foreign nationals, were accused of executing cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams. This marks the largest internet romance scam bust in EFCC history, showing the scale of the problem.

The alleged scammers targeted victims primarily in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, with fraudulent schemes involving fake profiles. They convinced people to invest money on fake platforms or transfer funds for supposed romantic relationships that never existed.

EFCC’s surprising bust on internet romance scam

In a surprise operation, the EFCC raided a building known as the Big Leaf Building in Lagos. Located on Victoria Island, the seven-story structure appeared to be a legitimate corporate office, but it was a front.
Investigators found that the building housed a sophisticated setup for internet romance scam and otehr cyber crime operations.

The alleged scammers, mostly foreign nationals, had been using the building to train Nigerian accomplices to execute fraudulent activities. On the fifth floor of the building, EFCC operatives discovered 500 SIM cards linked to telecom providers. These SIM cards were used for illicit purposes, helping scammers maintain multiple fake online profiles for their schemes.

The fraudsters targeted vulnerable victims, mostly in Western countries, by pretending to be professionals or romantic partners. Through phishing tactics, the scammers built relationships, and eventually, they convinced their victims to transfer money.

A source said the scam often involved convincing victims to pay activation fees for fake investment platforms like www.yooto.com.

According to cybercrime expert, Samuel Olatunde, fraudsters are experts at manipulating emotions and trust. “Scammers often target individuals who are looking for genuine connections, using romance as a lure,” he explains.

Victims of internet romance scam often find themselves in emotionally charged situations, making it difficult to recognize fraud. These scams can be highly convincing, as fraudsters take months to build trust with their targets before making requests for money, he said.

Another expert said scammers’ ability to fabricate convincing backstories and profiles on social media plays a huge role in their success. They create fake identities and adopt personalities that are often difficult to detect as fraudulent, using stolen images.

“Scammers work tirelessly to seem genuine,” says legal expert, Linda Okoye, “which makes these scams harder to spot.”

Experts stress the importance of vigilance when forming online relationships, urging people not to rush into financial commitments.

 Role of local accomplices

Foreign nationals are soetimes the masterminds behind internet romance scam operations, but local accomplices play a significant role. “Even though foreign nationals are behind these schemes, local accomplices enable the scammers to operate with impunity,” Olatunde says.

An anti-cybercrime advocate, Chijioke Nkem, advises victims to report scams immediately to authorities for investigation. “In most cases, victims of romance scams don’t realize they’ve been defrauded until it’s too late,” he says.

Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can prevent them from reporting the fraud to the authorities. However, legal experts argue that prompt action is crucial, especially when it comes to international fraud schemes. “Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person, no matter how convincing they may seem,” Nkem advises.

Efforts to educate the public about these scams have intensified, but experts say more must be done to protect individuals.

By Usoh Udosen

Usoh Udosen is our General Assignment Reporter, with bias for the evolving world of Technology. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing depth and clarity to complex issues. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, Usoh connects with audiences through compelling narratives and informative reporting. His diverse experience and adaptability, spanning seven years, make him a valuable asset to our team.

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