Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have raised alarm over a surge in cases of violent robberies linked to online dating encounters.
DCI officers on Thursday evening revealed a disturbing trend of violent robberies originating from interactions on online dating platforms, where unsuspecting individuals are lured into dangerous situations under the pretext of friendship or romance.
According to detectives, victims, both Kenyans and foreign nationals, are often approached on dating apps or social media, well-coordinated to give a false sense of trust.
The victims are subsequently invited to meet in private or unfamiliar locations, with such meetings always culminating in ambushes, robberies and, in some cases, physical assaults.
To avoid such encounters, members of the public were cautioned against sharing any sensitive details, particularly financial information, with online individuals.
"In light of this alarming situation, we urge the public to exercise heightened caution when interacting with such platforms. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to protect your personal information," DCi officers said.
"Fraudsters are particularly skilled at creating emotional connections, which they then exploit to extract personal data that could lead to financial or personal harm," the detectives added.
The DCI officers also advised members of the public to first verify the profiles of individuals they interact with online and always choose safe, public spaces when arranging for meet-ups.
For first encounters, people were urged to choose well-lit locations like cafes, restaurants, or shopping centres and avoid private residences or secluded areas, as these can pose significant risks.
Additionally, the DCI officers advised individuals to always inform their trusted friend or family member about their plans, including whom they are going to meet.
"Keep your phone charged and, if possible, share your live location with someone you trust. If you ever feel threatened or encounter suspicious behaviour, disengage immediately and seek help," the DCI noted.
Individuals who feel threatened during such meet-ups were encouraged to immediately contact the nearest police station or reach out to official channels for support.
