
British women are being systematically targeted by sophisticated criminal networks in West Africa who are using dating apps to execute elaborate romance frauds, with shockingly some scammers justifying their crimes as "colonial revenge."
The Elaborate Deception Strategy
These highly organised fraudsters create convincing fake profiles on popular dating platforms, presenting themselves as successful engineers, doctors, or businessmen working abroad. They employ sophisticated psychological manipulation techniques, often spending months building emotional connections with their victims before introducing financial requests.
The Disturbing 'Colonial Justice' Justification
Most alarmingly, security experts have identified a emerging trend where perpetrators rationalise their criminal activities as retribution for historical colonialism. One intercepted message from a scammer based in Nigeria revealed this chilling mindset: "This is payback for what the British did to our ancestors."
Scale of the Crisis
The National Crime Agency estimates that romance fraud costs UK victims approximately £50 million annually, though the true figure is believed to be significantly higher due to widespread underreporting. Thousands of British women, particularly professionals aged 35-55, have fallen victim to these carefully orchestrated schemes.
How the Scams Operate
- Initial Contact: Approaches through dating apps or social media platforms
- Building Trust: Weeks or months of daily communication and emotional manipulation
- The Emergency: Sudden fabricated crises requiring financial assistance
- Continued Demands: Increasing requests for money for various invented problems
Protection Advice from Security Experts
Cyber crime specialists urge dating app users to remain vigilant for these warning signs:
- Professionals who cannot meet in person or via video call
- Requests for money, however small or reasonable they may seem
- Pressure to move conversations away from dating platforms to private messaging apps
- Inconsistencies in their stories or background details
- Reluctance to share verifiable personal information
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau encourages victims to come forward, emphasising that reporting these crimes is crucial for disrupting these criminal networks and protecting potential future victims.