The world of the Internet makes social connections easier. What used to be miles away is now seconds of waiting for notification. But, like everything, networks have their dark side. This is because many people use them to commit crimes, as is the case of so-called “love scammers”, who seek victims through dating apps or social networks.
This term is called sentimental embezzlement in police circles. The delegate from Deam (Specialized Police Station for Women’s Assistance), Marianne de Souza, explained that there are few records of this crime in Campo Grande, but some are very peculiar. The same man, for example, claimed four or five victims and spent considerable amounts.
“We have noticed a small increase in the number of these cases registered since last year. So, all more or less similar conversations, the modus operandi What we talk about, which is how he acts, is very similar. And in this case, by chance too, he uses his real name,” he says. The author remains at large and has even changed state. However, Deam continues with investigations with the aim of capturing him.
Another case that marked Campo Grande occurred in 2016. A 32-year-old man pretended to be a military police officer and attacked women. The suspect has more than 15 convictions for embezzlement and took money, cars, cell phones, among other belongings of the victims.
In one of the cases, the scammer managed to induce one of the victims to finance a R$88,000 vehicle in her name for him. He also received a cell phone valued at R$4,000, branded clothes and cell phones. At the time, the victim denounced the author and filed a lawsuit against him, asking for more than R$33,000 in compensation.
The scammer sent messages to the women saying he hadn’t answered the call because he was on a mission. In this way, he started constant conversations with her, until he involved them in a relationship.
Acting in the same way, he says that his bank accounts are blocked and that he needs to buy something, but that he will pay later. As a result, he ends up taking money from the victims. The last victim of this scammer who registered the case was in 2021.
Diverse profiles, both of perpetrators and victims
The delegate explains that both the profiles of victims and perpetrators are diverse, and contact usually begins through dating apps or other social networks.
“We have different cases. There is no standard for either age or social class and we have different standards for both victims and perpetrators. Generally, this contact comes through dating apps or Instagram and Facebook, mainly. [O autor] meet, add, start chatting. Sometimes there is physical contact, sometimes not. It depends”.
The so-called “love scammers” often use acts that will benefit the victims, such as, for example, going to see them, to carry out financial scams. Requests for health treatments – which do not happen –, vehicle repairs, debts to relatives, etc. are also common.
According to psychologist Sani da Silva Farias, the damage to victims can also leave emotional and psychological marks on them. “Depression and anxiety, greater intensity of feelings of anger and guilt for having let oneself be deceived. Disappointment and loss of trust are also notorious, which can lead to a state of deep sadness, despair and shame. Fear comes as a way of protecting oneself from other relationships, and it is more difficult to have new emotional involvements, impacting interpersonal relationships, making it difficult to return to normal life,” she says.
Care
No one is prohibited from using social networks or dating apps. However, it is important to take some precautions and stay alert to avoid falling for scams.
Psychologist Sani Farias explains that it is common for scammers to build false images of themselves, with positive behavioral characteristics and a successful professional career.
“After they create a quick and intense emotional connection, they begin to adore their victims and make exaggerated displays of love and affection to win them over. This can make the victim feel wanted and valued, creating a sense of comfort and security.”
They are red flags, or warning signs, requests for money, gifts, payments of bills or the victim’s name to take out loans, quick infatuation, attempts to control or manipulate, especially removing the victim from relatives and friends, leaving him isolated, and also denying him if you provide personal data, those of family or friends.
Complaint
It is normal for victims to feel ashamed, but they need to report the cases. At Casa da Mulher, women receive sensitive and specialized care, with the help of psychologists. Deam is in the same building and receives reports of crimes.
The complaint may result in compensation for financial and emotional damages. “In the same way, it is extremely important to seek psychological help to alleviate the trauma suffered by victims. Therapy is essential in these cases. The therapy is initially about welcoming this victim, during the sessions we try to gradually give a new meaning to the situation, so that it does not become a bigger ‘burden’ than it is”, explains the psychologist.
According to delegate Marianne de Souza, underreporting is one of the biggest problems in investigating cases.
“It is even important to mention that nowadays these crimes, even when registered, are not registered at the women’s police station, they are sent here and investigated here in this context. Even though the relationship is sometimes brief, that is, only virtually, it can, yes, be applied to the Maria da Penha law. So, the Maria da Penha law can be applied, a protective measure is applicable, everything that this woman can have here at DEAM and throughout the entire service network is applicable”, she highlights.
Complaints can be concentrated at Deam, which is located at Rua Doutor Arlindo Andrade, number 149. The contact telephone number is (67) 3384-1149.
Watch:
Tags: cases sentimental fraud increase reports
--
