Man scams girlfriend of 25 days R500 000 loan she took for him
A woman in the North West province has fallen victim to a romance scam, trusting her boyfriend of just 25 days, Felix Mugi, so much that she took out a R500,000 loan and handed over the money to him and his aunt.
Both Mugi and his aunt have since disappeared, leaving the woman devastated and in financial distress.
Felix Mugi
This incident adds to a growing list of similar scams, where unsuspecting victims are lured into financial traps by individuals they trust.
In May 2023, a Cape Town woman was defrauded of R700,000 by a man she met online. The scammer, posing as a successful businessman, convinced her to invest in a fictitious business venture. Once the money was transferred, the man vanished without a trace.
In another case, a Johannesburg woman lost R350,000 in a scam that began on a dating app. The perpetrator claimed to be an engineer working on an oil rig and needed the money to resolve a supposed emergency. After receiving the funds, he ceased all communication.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend of romance scams where individuals exploit emotional connections for financial gain.
According to the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC), there has been a notable increase in such cases, with victims often losing substantial amounts of money.
Scammers typically create convincing personas, establish a connection with their targets, and then fabricate urgent financial needs. Once the money is handed over, the scammers disappear, leaving victims not only financially bereft but also emotionally shattered.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Authorities and financial institutions are urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in online and short-term relationships, especially when financial transactions are involved. Some key tips include:
1. Verify Identities: Do thorough research and verify the identity of anyone you meet online or within a short timeframe.
2. Be Skeptical of Financial Requests: Be wary of any request for money, no matter how urgent or convincing the reason may seem.
3.Seek Independent Advice: Consult with friends, family, or financial advisors before making any significant financial decisions influenced by someone you’ve recently met.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately report any suspicious behavior or requests to the authorities and relevant financial institutions.
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