Scammers have appeared on social media, promising their victims a life together, trips abroad, an inheritance, and even apartments or houses, and then extorting substantial sums of money from them.
Scammers most often contact their victims online—through messaging apps or social media. They present themselves in military uniforms, speak or write in English, and are friendly and polite.
Their method is simple: they establish a close, warm relationship with the victim, thereby drawing them into a psychological game. Then, after gaining their trust, they ask them to transfer money to their account for a package, a certificate, or medical treatment for a daughter or son. They may also promise an inheritance or the purchase of real estate abroad at a bargain price.
They ask for a specified sum to help complete formalities or to pay bribes abroad. These are usually fairly substantial amounts, and in foreign currency—dollars or euros.
After obtaining money from the victim, they cut off contact: they stop communicating and delete their social media account.
Police:
Such conduct and such offers are simply fraud. If someone we happen to meet wants to give us a large sum of money, we should end the relationship immediately.
We should also not be gullible, especially when meeting people online. We should not send money to anyone. We should not provide our personal details, bank account numbers, or other important information about ourselves.