PROJECT: ROMANCE SCAMS ON LEGITIMATE DATING PLATFORMS
- isabels39
- May 15
- 5 min read
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ROMANCE SCAMS IN SOUTH AFRICA – HOW SCAMMERS EXPLOIT TRUST AND LOVE ONLINE
Romance scams remain one of the most emotionally destructive and financially crippling crimes in South Africa.
These scams are not simple cases of deception and they are often run by sophisticated,
organised syndicates that prey on people’s hopes for connection and love.
Alarmingly, scammers frequently abuse legitimate dating platforms, such as "Opsit Kers", to execute their cons.
Specialised Security Services is currently investigating one such case.
The investigation involves a six-month-long con that resulted in the loss of approximately R2 million by our client.
In this case, manipulation, deceit, and impersonation are characteristics of an advanced scam network.
HOW THE SCAM UNFOLDED:
The criminals established contact with our client on a trusted dating platform.
Over six months, they built an emotional relationship using fake profiles, foreign accents, and falsified life stories.
A woman using the alias Lizelle Von Benecke emerged as the primary scammer, though her real identity appears to be Zuzana Correina Goncalves, formerly known as Zuzka Lhetova.
The syndicate also involved several accomplices posing as friends, neighbours, housekeepers, and business contacts.
These individuals communicated through WhatsApp, email, and phone calls - often using false names and international numbers.
When Ms. Zazana Correia was contacted via Messenger, she claimed to be the victim of identity theft and that she has received countless calls, emails and Facebook messages from several different people claiming they have been scammed by someone posing as her, but under different names.
BANK ACCOUNTS IDENTIFIED IN THE SCAM:
These accounts were used to receive funds from the victim:
OEA PARTNERS LID – First National Bank: 62892469191
OEA PARTNERS LID – Capitec Bank: 1846841796
N. Louw – Capitec Bank: 1937586667
EMAILS USED BY THE SCAMMERS:
natwestlondonbridge@englandmail.com (used in fake financial documents)
PHONE NUMBERS INVOLVED:
The scammers used these numbers to contact the client or as part of their false network:
+ 27 79 273 7801 – (Frequently used by “Lizelle”)
+27 66 570 9473
+27 64 853 0584
+44 7452 76540 (UK number)
+319 7005 04248 – (“Sofie” on WhatsApp)
Other local and international numbers are also listed in our investigation
LOCATION USED TO APPEAR LEGITIMATE:
One address was used repeatedly during the scam:
Hermanus Beach Club, 1 Church Road, Westcliff, Hermanus – House 4.
While the house may physically exist, it was used deceptively and may be registered under a different name.
THE LONG CON STRATEGY:
This case followed the classic six-stage “long con” model:
Approach: Contact made through a legitimate dating site.
Connection: Building trust and emotional intimacy.
Fabrication: Use of fake identities and crises.
Extraction: Requests for financial assistance begin.
Collapse: Scammer vanishes or changes identity.
Repetition: These scammers have an unlimited supply of cell phones and SIM cards.
1 SIM per scam and each scammer will run up to 12 scams per person.
These tactics are designed to break down defences slowly and avoid suspicion.
THE SSS STRATEGY TO COMBAT THESE SYNDICATES:
Our investigations follow a strict three-phase approach:
Identification by using highly skilled investigators and systems.
Collecting digital trails, tracing accounts, and analysing data.
Confrontation by engaging suspects legally and exposing the network in an effort to prevent further losses and aiding the prosecution. Educating the public through projects and assisting the SAPS with the investigation is vital to our strategy to combat these syndicates.
A WARNING TO THE PUBLIC:
We urge all South Africans to remain vigilant when forming relationships online, even through well-known and reputable platforms. Scammers often create convincing profiles and build emotional connections over time to gain trust.
Be especially cautious if the person refuses to meet in person or declines video calls, frequently makes excuses,
or suddenly asks for financial assistance.
These are clear warning signs of a romance scam.
Trust your instincts, verify identities where possible, and never send money to someone you have not met in real life.
This case is currently under investigation.
If you recognise any of the emails, phone numbers, or identities listed above,
or if you suspect you may be a victim of a similar scam, please contact the SSS Specialist Investigator:
MR. JD PIENAAR
Contact number: +27 66 377 3301
Email address: jdpienaar@mikebolhuis.co.za
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This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
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Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
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