Romance scams turn elderly into unsuspecting drug mules

Abongile Nzelenzele speaks with Consumer Journalist Wendy Knowler.

Listen to the interview using the audio player below.

Fraud in the digital age is a growing problem that is particularly difficult for the elderly.

International fraud syndicates use several tactics, including identity theft, business email compromise and romance scams, to steal their victims' hard-earned money.

ALSO READ:

'Money is the biggest red flag' - expert on online romance scams

Romance scams increasingly used as gateway for other scams, warns SAFPS

Some older people have even landed in jail due to romance scams in which fraudsters tricked them into travelling abroad to meet and carry suitcases with concealed drugs.

“They are turning the romance scam into a drug mule thing.”

- Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist

According to Knowler, one of the big reasons people fall for scams is because they assume it will never happen to them.

With business email compromise, scammers will intercept an invoice and change the company's bank details to theirs.

This usually only comes to light days later.

If receiving an invoice via email, always be hyper-vigilant and call the company to confirm the banking details.

Another thing to look out for is potential ID fraud after handing over your licence to enter gated areas.

By scanning the barcode on your licence, a person can get a picture of you, your ID number, and your cellphone number.

You do have the right to refuse to hand over your ID, but they unfortunately have the right to refuse you entrance.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.