The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has issued a public alert highlighting common signs of fraudsters, particularly romance scammers, also known locally as “fraud boys” or “sakawa boys.”
In a social media post, EOCO cautioned the public to remain vigilant and outlined several red flags to watch for when engaging with someone online, especially in romantic contexts.
According to EOCO, these scammers often appear too good to be true, presenting themselves as perfect partners while pushing for emotional connections very quickly.
Another major sign is their refusal to meet in person or participate in video calls, often coming up with consistent excuses to avoid face-to-face interaction.
“They declare love early and create a sense of urgency or dependency,” EOCO warned, noting their use of emotional manipulation.
Scammers also tend to ask for money, often claiming they need urgent help with emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses.
Additionally, their stories often lack consistency, with personal details that don’t align or make sense upon closer inspection.
EOCO reminded the public that romance scams are criminal offenses and urged anyone suspicious of such activity to report it by calling 0800-910-910 or 0547-419-419.
“Romance fraud is a crime. Your mind for Dey,” EOCO advised.
