Romance Scams in West Africa
Elizabeth Kanburi Bidzakin | Managing Partner of BidzakinKombat
In the modern age, relationships that begin online are not uncommon. With the rise of social media and dating apps, countless individuals have found love with partners across borders. However, the internet can also be a breeding ground for deception, manipulation, and heartbreak, particularly romance scams. As a lawyer specializing in such cases, I have seen firsthand the emotional and financial toll that these scams take on victims. Recently, I had the opportunity to interview a former client, Ms. Sandra Wood from Ontario, Canada, who bravely shared her story to help raise awareness and permitted me to share. Her experience is not unique, especially in regions like West Africa, where the internet and mobile technology have allowed scammers to operate on a global scale. Below is an account of her encounter with a romance scammer, which offers valuable lessons for anyone navigating online relationships. Ms. Wood met her scammer, "Chris Mensah," on Twitter. Chris, a man from Kumasi, Ghana, initially reached out with a kind and thoughtful message. As the two began to converse regularly, a strong emotional connection formed. In Ms. Wood’s words, Chris appeared to be everything a woman could want in a partner. He was religious, respectful, family-oriented, and seemingly full of love and support. His deep knowledge of the Bible and his wisdom on matters of life and relationships quickly won her trust. Like many victims of romance scams, Ms. Wood found herself deeply invested in the relationship. She admired Chris's character, his devotion to his family, and his ability to make her feel heard, loved, and understood. It wasn’t long before she felt she had found "the one." Little did she know, however, that the man she was falling for was a master manipulator with an ulterior motive.
The Red Flags in Disguise
In hindsight, Ms. Wood can now recognize the warning signs she ignored in the early stages of the relationship. One such red flag was Chris’s lack of empathy for her well-being during their conversations. While she often found herself supporting him through his supposed crises, his responses to her concerns were minimal. He often deflected attention from her problems, instead keeping the focus on his needs. Another red flag was his irritation whenever she asked for more transparency. When she asked for additional details about his life, work, or activities, Chris would become defensive, accusing her of not trusting him. These subtle behaviors planted seeds of doubt, but at the time, Ms. Wood attributed them to cultural differences or personal stress on his end. However, it was not long before financial requests started to surface—requests that began small but quickly escalated into larger sums. These requests were always framed within the context of urgent crises: a sick relative, a broken-down car, or an unexpected financial setback. Each time, Ms. Wood would send money, motivated by love and a genuine desire to help her partner in his time of need.
The Moment of Truth
Despite her growing suspicions, it was not until Ms. Wood caught Chris in a blatant lie that she began to question the foundation of their relationship. She confronted him, but instead of explaining, Chris doubled down, making excuses and attempting to regain her trust. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. On several occasions, Ms. Wood had uncovered lies, but she chose to forgive him—until the final one broke her trust completely. As their relationship deteriorated, things took a darker turn. Chris began to threaten her with blackmail, claiming that he would reveal personal details, nude pictures, and conversations if she didn’t comply with his demands. Ms. Wood, devastated and emotionally drained, turned to me for us for help.
The Role of Legal Intervention
Despite her growing suspicions, it was not until Ms. Wood caught Chris in a blatant lie that she began to question the foundation of their relationship. She confronted him, but instead of explaining, Chris doubled down, making excuses and attempting to regain her trust. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. On several occasions, Ms. Wood had uncovered lies, but she chose to forgive him—until the final one broke her trust completely. As their relationship deteriorated, things took a darker turn. Chris began to threaten her with blackmail, claiming that he would reveal personal details, nude pictures, and conversations if she didn’t comply with his demands. Ms. Wood, devastated and emotionally drained, turned to me for us for help.
Advice for Women in Online Relationships
Having gone through this ordeal, Ms. Wood offers some key pieces of advice for women involved in online relationships—particularly those with men they have never met in person. Her first and most important recommendation is to verify the identity of your online partner. This includes finding out his legal name and address and conducting a background check to ensure he is who he says he is. At our firm, we can help you do this through our profiling and investigation services. We can also help you run a criminal background check on your partner. Secondly, she advises women to trust their instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don't ignore red flags, such as a lack of empathy, defensiveness, or repeated financial requests. And most importantly, if you ever feel threatened or blackmailed, know that you are not alone. Blackmail is illegal and punishable by law, and there are legal avenues available to protect you.
Final Thoughts
Romance scams are emotionally and financially devastating. Scammers often prey on vulnerable individuals seeking love and connection, manipulating their victims with sweet words and false promises. It’s crucial to approach online relationships with caution, especially when significant financial or personal risks are involved.
At BidzakinKombat, we are committed to helping victims of scams like these seek justice. If you or someone you know has been affected by a romance scam, don't hesitate to reach out. Legal action can stop scammers in their tracks and provide you with the protection and peace of mind you deserve.