A Nigerian online romance scammer will have to pay his Australian victim back $60,000 after his lies finally caught up with him.
Ogenevowero Emefeke, 37, was arrested on May 22 by the Nigeria Police Force – National Cyber Crimes Centre after an international operation involving South Australian police.
Emefeke from the capital, Abuja, is accused of running a complex con where he set up fake online accounts and pretended to be well known celebrities.
He would then approach his targets through social media and gain their trust over weeks and months by ‘playing on their emotions to swindle them of their resources’.
Nigerian police force operatives arrested Emefeke following ‘actionable intelligence’ provided by the SA Police Force.
Ogenevowero Emefeke, 37, was arrested in May in connection to an elaborate ‘romance scam’
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the Aussie victim’s money is in the process of being returned.
‘The suspect, in a written statement during Police interview, freely admitted to having committed the fraud and several others dating back to 2021,’ Mr Adejobi said.
‘Investigation further revealed that the victims are usually vulnerable men and women in desperate search for emotional comfort and fame.’
He warned the public to have ‘restraint in engaging in businesses and relationships with individuals whose real identities have not been physically verified.’
Emefeke will be charged at the completion of the investigation.
Australians have lost more than $190million to online scams this year alone (stock image)
Nigeria has long been known as a hotbed for online scammers – particularly romance scams and ‘419’ or Nigerian Prince scams.
A 2012 Microsoft research paper analysed data and showed more than half of all email scams in that year originated from the country.
But in recent years other African nations along with Eastern European and Asian countries have seen a huge surge in fraudsters looking to dupe victims with even more bizarre and tricky cons.
Australians have lost more then $190million to scams this year alone, according to Scamwatch.
TYPES OF ONLINE SCAMS
Attempts to gain your personal information
Scammers use all kinds of sneaky approaches to steal your personal details. Once obtained, they can use your identity to commit fraudulent activities such as using your credit card or opening a bank account.
Buying or selling
Scammers prey on consumers and businesses that are buying or selling products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Dating & romance
Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to provide money, gifts or personal details.
Fake charities
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events.
Investments
If you are looking for a fast way to make money, watch out – scammers have invented all sorts of fake money-making opportunities to prey on your enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.
Jobs & employment
Jobs and employment scams trick you into handing over your money by offering you a ‘guaranteed’ way to make fast money or a high-paying job for little effort.
Threats & extortion
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your money – including fake debts, threatening you or ‘hijacking’ your computer.
Unexpected money
Scammers invent convincing and seemingly legitimate reasons to give you false hope about offers of money. There are no get-rich-quick schemes, so always think twice before handing over your details or dollars.
Unexpected winnings
Don’t be lured by a surprise win. These scams try to trick you into giving money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize from a lottery or competition that you never entered.
Source: Scamwatch
@Daily Mail (UK)
