31st August, 2010
The Nigeria Police has advised Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters, who pose as lover boys in search of relationships and marriages online.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer, in Abuja on Monday.
Ojukwu, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said while some members of the international community were falling victims to the fraudsters, women were the most targeted.
“Some criminal elements pose as innocent lover boys in search of genuine relationships and marriage with the opposite sex.
“But no sooner than the cord is established, the fraudster begins to inundate his unsuspecting `lover’ with requests for one favour or the other.
“Reports reaching the Nigeria Police indicate that many lovers’ websites are being used to access the victims and establish contact with them,’’ he said.
He said that investigation had revealed that most of the names and addresses dropped by the would-be lovers were fake and far from reality.
Ojukwu stressed that the mere act of posing as a lover does not in any way translate to sincerity of purpose.
“The mere act of soliciting financial favours is enough warning that all may not be well with the relationship. Nigeria is a developing economy but begging is not part of our culture,’’ he added.
The Force PRO urged discerning adults to be cautious before parting with their hard earned resources.
He advised that anyone in doubt should clarify with the Nigeria Police through its website:www.npf.gov.ng.