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| In Bangladesh, where digital connectivity is booming, a sinister trend is on the rise—romance scams orchestrated through fake Facebook profiles. These scams prey on lonely hearts, manipulating victims into sending money, sharing personal data, or even unknowingly aiding criminal activities. According to the Bangladesh Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, reported cases of online dating fraud have surged by 65% in the last three years, with losses exceeding **৳200 million (USD $1.8 million)**. This article exposes how these scams operate, real-life cases, and crucial steps to avoid becoming a victim.  1. How Bangladeshi Romance Scams Work The Fake Profile Trap Scammers create convincing fake identities, often using stolen photos of attractive men or women. These profiles mimic real people—doctors, engineers, or even expatriates—to gain trust quickly. Common Tactics: Love Bombing: Overwhelming affection early on ("You're my soulmate!"). Sob Stories: Fake emergencies (medical bills, family crises) to extract money. Isolation Tactics: Discouraging victims from telling friends/family. Case Example: In 2023, a Dhaka-based teacher lost **৳500,000** to a scammer posing as a US-based Bangladeshi doctor. After months of online romance, he claimed he needed money for a "visa fee" to visit her—then disappeared. 2. Who Are the Targets? Most Vulnerable Groups: Divorced/Widowed Individuals – Seeking companionship. Young Professionals – Busy, reliant on online connections. Expatriate Bangladeshis – Scammers exploit their nostalgia for home. Psychological Manipulation: Scammers study victims’ social media to tailor lies. One victim shared: "He knew my favorite foods, my job struggles—it felt so real." 3. Where the Money Goes Money Laundering Links Stolen funds often fund: Illegal Gambling Rings – Linked to transnational cybercrime. Human Trafficking – Some scammers recruit victims for exploitation. Case Example: A 2024 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) raid uncovered a syndicate using romance scam profits to finance a fake job recruitment ring. 4. How to Spot a Fake Profile Red Flags: ✔ Too Perfect Photos – Reverse-image search reveals stolen pics. ✔ Avoiding Video Calls – Always excuses ("My camera is broken"). ✔ Rushing Commitment – Talks of marriage within weeks. Verification Tips: Ask for a live video call (not pre-recorded clips). Check profile creation date (new accounts are suspicious). Search their name + "scam" online. 5. What to Do If Scammed Immediate Steps: Stop All Contact – Block the scammer everywhere. Report to Authorities – Bangladesh Cyber Crime Portal (http://www.cybercrime.gov.bd). Notify Your Bank – If money was sent, transaction reversal may be possible. Helplines for Victims: Cyber Crime Hotline: 999 National Women’s Helpline: 109 6. Can These Scams Be Stopped? Government & Platform Actions: SIM Registration Laws – Making fake numbers harder to obtain. Facebook’s AI Detection – Removed 12,000 fake Bangladeshi profiles in 2023. Public Awareness Gaps: Many victims feel too ashamed to report. "I blamed myself for being naive," admitted one survivor.  Conclusion: Stay Safe in Digital Romance While online love can feel genuine, vigilance saves hearts—and bank accounts. Remember: ✅ Never send money to someone you haven’t met. ✅ Verify identities through multiple channels. ✅ Speak up—scammers thrive on silence. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Laws and scam tactics evolve; consult experts for legal advice. |
Andrew
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2025.04.02
