In the last ten years, internet scamming has become a global issue, and thousands of people around the world lose millions of dollars every year. People are increasingly moving money via the Internet rather than handing it over, thanks to the rise of the billion-dollar e-commerce industry. The industry has also resulted in an increase in online fraudsters all over the world.
Africa is home to some of the most renowned countries in terms of internet scammers. The majority of con artists are based in West Africa, and as the globe evolves and changes rapidly, these con artists have evolved new strategies to carry out fraudulent schemes. Despite the rising number of internet scams, police throughout the continent appear to be doing nothing.
Scammers in African countries have acquired the skill of exploiting Westerners looking for love online via dating apps, websites, and even social media in order to entice them to send money, gifts, and personal information. Nigeria is the number one internet scamming country in Africa, according to techshielder. In this article, we look at the top five African countries with the highest number of scammers.
1 . Nigeria
Nigeria tops our list of the countries with the highest online scamming cases in Africa, as well as the world. You've probably received an email from these fraudsters inviting you to claim millions of dollars in inheritance from a relative who died abroad. They will then ask for your bank account information in order to transfer the payments to you, and once you provide your bank details, they will steal your funds in the process.
Nigeria also has the largest number of dating fraud cases in Africa, as well as the world. Every year, approximately 2000 romantic fraud incidents are registered in the country. According to the techshielder report, approximately $15 million is lost each year as a result of Nigerian dating scams.
2. Ghana
Ghana is ranked second, with the most common online crime being stolen credit cards, followed by gold sales and fraudulent documentation. Bogus websites, phony contracts, and employment scams are also rampant in the country. Ghana has the second-highest number of dating scam cases in Africa and the globe. Every year, about 600 romantic fraud cases are reported in the country, resulting in a total financial loss of $10 million.
3. South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful country, but it also has the third highest rate of internet scams in Africa. A startling $8 million has been lost as a result of South African dating scams. According to a survey from the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Cyber Security, South Africans are the most victimized by banking-related scams in Africa. The most prevalent incidents observed in Gauteng province are phishing, accessing fraudulent financial websites, and receiving phony SMS warnings of bank withdrawals or payments.
4.Morocco
Morocco, one of Africa's fastest-growing countries, has the continent's fourth-highest number of internet scammers. Thousands of people looking for love all around the world have fallen prey to Moroccan dating scammers. To date, more than $500000 has been plundered from the pockets of love seekers all over the world. Credit card theft and job fraud are also common in the country.
5.Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire rounds up the top five, with the fifth highest number of online scam instances in Africa. The country has recorded more than 300 cases of online dating scams to date. The total amount of money lost due to dating scams in Côte d'Ivoire is $300,000. Fake websites, employment fraud, and stolen credit cards are other issues in the country.
How to spot an Internet Scam
Here are some warning indicators to check for when conducting business and dating online:
• The person displays attractive images and boasts about their financial achievements. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
• The person is in a hurry to change communication methods. Scammers will try to get you to communicate by email, message, or WhatsApp.
• In terms of relationship milestones, they move swiftly. They frequently express their love for you quickly, and they may even discuss relationship milestones such as marriage or purchasing a home together early on in your relationship.
• The person regularly cancels video chats or makes an excuse for not being able to meet you in person.
• The individual requests financial assistance by telling you a story about how they have fallen on hard times and how much money they would appreciate.
• The individual informs you about an investment platform that pays out a high rate of return on people's money and how he's been profiting from it.