The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has issued a public warning outlining key red flags to help identify romance scammers and online fraudsters, commonly known as “fraud boys” or “Sakawa boys.”
In a post on its official Facebook page, EOCO cautioned that these scammers often appear too good to be true, quickly expressing strong emotions and pushing for fast emotional attachments.
A major red flag, EOCO noted, is that such individuals often avoid face-to-face meetings or video calls, giving various excuses to remain hidden.
“Romance fraud is a crime. Stay alert. If you suspect someone, report to EOCO,” the agency stated, providing the hotlines 0800-910-910 and 0547-419-419 for public reporting.
Key signs to watch for include:
- Too Perfect Too Soon: They seem flawless and move very quickly into expressing love or deep emotions.
- Avoiding Personal Contact: They always have a reason not to meet in person or even video call.
- Emotional Manipulation: They create urgency or dependency by quickly professing love.
- Financial Requests: They often claim to need money urgently for emergencies like medical bills or travel expenses.
- Inconsistent Background Stories: Their personal narratives don’t quite add up or keep changing.
EOCO urged the public to stay vigilant, trust their instincts, and report suspicious activity.
