The social media scene in Nigeria has been on fire in recent times over a certain man who allegedly had multiple relationships with several women on Facebook and proceeded to get money and favours from them over a long period of time. He allegedly lied he was a bachelor when he was actually married with children. He also reportedly denied his family for favours, money and sex. This reminds one of a certain Big Brother Nigeria housemate whose story has also been making the rounds.
Anyway, let’s look beyond that to something else. The Internet and, in particular, social media, has changed the way we see the world. In fact, it has changed the way the world works. For one thing, the world has been made smaller by the availability of so much information on a variety of topics, people and events. A simple Google search will give tons of links to any query and make one’s search for vital information easy.
Social media has also made its mark by making connections between many people easier and faster. Business, friendships and, indeed, romantic relationships have become very commonplace on social media. It is not surprising to see people post about how they met their significant other on one platform or the other. This is good as it breaks the conventional manner of meeting people and dating and, possibly, getting married, but it also increases the level of risk in such relationships.
I am sure some of you readers have heard of or even know some people who have fallen victim to fraudsters who convinced them of one deal or the other being genuine and then stole from them or planned a physical meet and robbed them blind. Stories of rape and ritual killings also abound. The truth is, as long as people continue to listen to, associate with and help others or be attracted to them, not to mention those who are rather cavalier with their lives and interactions with people; it will continue to be so.
These scammers, rapists and thieves use an age–old method of catching their prey. They simply dangle something they know a particular person would want and continue reeling them in bit by bit with one tale after the other, until it is too late. The Internet is full of such people and one needs to be very careful so as not be a victim.
The unfortunate ladies in question did not do due diligence, and from what I have been told, the said man’s relationships with each of them spanned quite some time. So, one wonders why they did not do some proper investigation as time went by, even if they had not in the first instance. This is not me trying to rub salt on an injury, but I want to point out that, no matter what you feel for someone online or think you do, there are certain things you should not be doing until you have met face-to-face with the person and confirmed that they are who they claim to be.
For instance, it makes no sense to say you are dating someone or planning to marry them and yet have never met them face-to-face. Do not know where they live or work? Have you met any of their friends and family members? You cannot date a ghost or a stranger. That makes absolutely no sense and it should be frowned upon by all and sundry.
Relationships require a certain level of trust, understanding, patience, sacrifice and more, not to mention finances. You cannot do all this with a stranger. There are people who still fall prey to scammers and it is because they are not taking the time to do proper checks and ask the right questions. Please, do not fall into such a category.
Finding profitable business ventures or love online is neither impossible nor wrong. The issue is whether or not it can be sustained that way and be profitable for all concerned to work with that alone. I don’t think so.
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